Another group of Muslim pilgrims from Kwara State has safely returned to Nigeria after completing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
A total of 548 pilgrims, including one person from Ondo State and three state officials, arrived at the Babatunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin at exactly 7:01 p.m. on Monday evening. The return journey was made possible through Max Airline.
This is the second batch of pilgrims from Kwara to return, following the earlier arrival of 558 pilgrims on Saturday. This now brings the total number of returning pilgrims from the state to 1,106.
The group was led by government representatives including Alhaja Khadijat Kuburat Abtawiy, Alhaji Abdullahi Kawu-Shuaib, and Hajia Sanni Ramat from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
Airport staff and Hajj officials were on ground to welcome the pilgrims, many of whom expressed joy and gratitude for a safe and successful journey.
Shortly after dropping off the pilgrims, the Max Airline aircraft departed Ilorin again at about 8:52 p.m., showing that the return process is still ongoing for other pilgrims.
The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board has continued to oversee the safe movement of all pilgrims and ensure their welfare throughout the Hajj operations. The board has not yet confirmed when the next group will arrive but assured that all returning flights are being properly scheduled.
Families and friends of the returning pilgrims gathered at the airport to receive their loved ones with prayers, cheers, and relief, after weeks apart.
The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam and is expected of all financially and physically able Muslims at least once in their lifetime. Thousands of Nigerians travel to the Holy Land every year to fulfil this religious obligation.
