Insecurity, Poor Economy hamper 2019 Hajj Operation in Taraba – ES

Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo

The Executive Secretary (ES), Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (MPWB) in Taraba State, Alh. Umar Adamu Leme has said that the persistent security challenges coupled with poor economic situation experienced across the Country, Taraba State inclusive has given negative impact on the intending Pilgrims of the 2019 Hajj exercise to the Holy Land, Saudi Arabia.

Alh. Adamu Leme, who stated this in Jalingo while briefing Journalists on the Board’s preparedness for 2019 Hajj Operation explained that the population of intending Pilgrims for the year has grossly reduced to be compared with the population of the previous years.

“This year, people are not really interested for Hajj Operation because of insecurity and the poor economic challenges”, he informed.

He enumerated some of the security challenges as kidnapping, armed banditry and other social vices.

The ES further informed newsmen that the National Hajj Commission allocated about 1,575 Seats to the Muslim faithfuls in the State to help them perform the exercise.

Alh. Adamu Leme, further disclosed that Governor Darius Ishaku, since assumption of office has supported the Board severally in carrying out its activities, especially, Hajj operations.

“Governor Darius Ishaku supported the Board on its visit to Saudi Arabia to secure Accommodation for the State Pilgrims who want to perform the Exercise”,

“With the kind support of the Governor, we visited Saudi Arabia twice, we were able to secure accommodation, feeding and transportation arrangements were made and we negotiated and discussed with the Contractor through the National Hajj Commission.

He noted that the Board has made it mandatory for the Pilgrims from the State to pray for peace in Taraba and the Country at large.

“We will pray for peace in Taraba and Nigeria”,

“We will also pray for the security challenges that the country is facing at the moment” he added.

Taraba MPWB Executive Secretary however, maintained that since inception, Taraba Pilgrims have never absconded after the Hajj exercise.