By Zubairu Idris
Katsina – The Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board has so far lifted 1,020 intending pilgrims from the state to Saudi Arabia for the 2017 hajj.
Spokesperson of the board, Alhaji Badaru Bello Karofi, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Katsina.
Karofi said that the pilgrims from Katsina and Funtua zones of the state were transported via Max Airline, adding that they were now in the Holy City of Madina.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) said that the pilgrims were in good health condition, performing their religious rites.
“The board has so far secured over 2,500 visas from Saudi Arabia for its intending pilgrims for this year’s hajj.
“I urge them s to avoid travelling with prohibited items for the hajj. They should be good ambassadors of the state by exhibiting good behaviour while in the Holy Land.
“The board has made all necessary arrangements for a hitch-free hajj operation,’’ he said.
NAN reports that 4,930 people from the state are expected to perform the 2017 hajj.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam performed only in Saudi Arabia annually by believers.
Every Muslim who has the means is expected to perform the hajj at least once in lifetime. (NAN)