Less than two weeks to departure for 2026 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia, two intending pilgrims from Kano yesterday involved in a road accident where they both lost their lives.

The two pilgrims, Alkasim Ibrahim Walawa, aged 48, and his aged Mother Hadiza Garba, 73 passed away in the ghastly road crash along Rimin Gado high way, less than 10 kilometers to Kano metropolis.

Alkasim and his mother have secured all necessary travel documents including Hajj visa to perform the annual ritual in Saudi Arabia before the unfortunate incident.

Spokesperson of Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sulaiman A. Dederi who confirmed the ugly development on Tuesday expressed deep regret of the board over the passing of the state pilgrims.

According to Dederi, the two intending pilgrims, Alkasim Ibrahim Walawa and his mother, Hadiza Garba, who lost their lives in a fatal car accident along the road between Rimin Gado and Kano City are members of 2026 Hajj contingents with the board.

“Alkasim Ibrahim Walawa, aged 48, is survived by two wives and seven children. His mother, Hadiza Garba, aged 73, is survived by five children. Both deceased were indigenes of Walawa Village in Kabo Local Government Area.

“Their passing is particularly heartbreaking as they were on a noble journey with the intention of traveling to the Holy Land for pilgrimage this year”. Dederi disclosed.

According to him, “In a joint condolence message, the Board and its management staff prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus. They also extend their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray for strength and patience during this difficult time”. Dederi noted .

The pilgrims board has completed inoculation and set for the disbursement of the Basic Traveling Allocation BTA of the intending pilgrims from the state. The airlift of over 3,000 registered pilgrims commences first week of April, 2026.