One of the victims, an elderly Fulani pilgrim, identified as Baba Katanga, from Katanga village in Kiyawa Local Government Area, said he lost 400 US dollars after boarding a taxi from Masjidil Haram to his hotel, Mahabbat Al Akhawin Hotel, in Makkah.
According to him, the taxi driver allegedly took advantage of the moment he was trying to inspect his Nusuk card and secretly stole the money.
“I was surprised when I later checked and discovered that my 400 dollars had disappeared. I became confused because that was the money I intended to use throughout my stay,” the pilgrim said.
In a separate incident, another Fulani pilgrim from Jahun Local Government Area, whose identity was not disclosed, reportedly lost all his dollars to a suspected taxi driver.
Similarly, a female pilgrim popularly known as Hajiya, also reportedly, lost her handbag containing two mobile phones and cash meant to sustain her throughout the Hajj exercise.
The incident reportedly occurred at Miqat in Madinah, where intending pilgrims usually perform ablution, wear their Ihram and make intention (Niyyah) for Umrah, before proceeding to Makkah.
Sources said the woman had briefly left the bag unattended for about two minutes before discovering that it was missing.
The incidents attracted sympathy from fellow Jigawa pilgrims, many of whom reportedly contributed money to support the affected victims pending intervention from authorities.
Reacting, the Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ahmad Umar Labbo, assured the affected pilgrims of the board’s support to cushion their hardship.
Labbo said the board had repeatedly advised pilgrims before their departure from Nigeria to remain vigilant and safeguard their money and valuables against criminal elements operating in crowded areas.
He urged pilgrims to avoid entrusting their belongings to strangers or leaving valuables unattended, particularly around holy sites and transport areas.
The director-general also prayed for Allah’s protection over all pilgrims and urged them to remain cautious throughout the Hajj exercise. (Daily Trust)
