The Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (PMSPWB) ended its 2018 hajj bita (orientations), with a call on intending pilgrims to adhere to the obligations of hajj and be mindful of drug traffickers around Nigeria and Saudi Arabian airports.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Auwal Abdullahi, made the call in his closing remarks, of the six days orientation held at the board premises.
He said: “As intending pilgrims, you should be mindful of what is expected of you both here in Nigeria and over there at the holy land of Saudi Arabia.” According to him, the six days orientation, where both oral and practical aspects of hajj were thought, should be remembered and put into real practice.
He called on them to adhere to the rules and regulations of Nigeria and those of Saudia Arabia.
“Whatever things that are not allowed to be carried by you should not be carried, you should abide by the laws and be good ambassadors of Plateau state and Nigeria,” he cautioned.
He specifically cautioned them against collecting objects from strange persons as a favour.
“Be observant because some people have formed the habit of slotting in unidentified illegal objects or substances into pockets or luggage of intending pilgrims with the hope of collecting them if you are lucky to pass through screening without detection.
But if you are unlucky, you will be arrested.
Auwal said the intending pilgrims should always be ready for takeoff to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, adding that soon, the state Governor, Simon Lalong, will bid them farewell.
More than 800 intending pilgrims are waiting for airlift for this year’s hajj operation in Saudi Arabia.