A Nigerian pilgrim from Bauchi State died at Muzdalifah on Wednesday during the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. He collapsed shortly after arriving from Arafat.
Saudi emergency personnel and security officials removed the body from the sacred site in the early morning hours. Our correspondent witnessed the evacuation firsthand.
Police officers and medical teams wheeled the deceased away following the incident. Two officials from Bauchi's pilgrimage contingent accompanied the body during the process.
Authorities had not officially identified the pilgrim by the time of reporting. They also declined to state what caused his death.
The incident occurred during one of Hajj's most physically taxing phases. Pilgrims endure constant movement between holy sites in extreme heat and massive crowds.
Thousands of Nigerians had arrived in Muzdalifah overnight after the Day of Arafat. That day is considered the spiritual heart of Islam's annual pilgrimage.
