The Chairman of the Information and Publicity Committee of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for the 2026 Hajj operation, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam, has died in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, following a brief illness.

The Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board announced his death yesterday.

Jalam reportedly died at Al-Noor Hospital in Makkah on Saturday night after a brief illness.

The late official played a major role in coordinating accommodation arrangements for Bauchi State pilgrims during the ongoing Hajj exercise. He also served as Secretary of the Feeding Committee, where he coordinated feeding arrangements for pilgrims from the state.

A former Director of Operations of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and one of the state coordinators for the 2026 Hajj operation, Alhaji Sabiu Barau Ningi, confirmed the development.

Ningi, who is also the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Bauchi Deputy Governor, said the deceased first complained of feeling unwell shortly after arriving from Madina.

According to him, Jalam had earlier visited a clinic in Madina, where he was treated and discharged before proceeding with official duties.

“He followed the advance team even before the arrival of Bauchi pilgrims in Makkah. They worked tirelessly until the arrival of the last batch of pilgrims,” Ningi said.

He explained that the deceased was actively involved in the allocation of accommodation to pilgrims, officials and members of the delegation.

“By the grace of God, all rooms were allocated successfully. He was among those leading the accommodation exercise and remained committed to the service of pilgrims until his final moments,” he added.

Ningi disclosed that Jalam’s condition later deteriorated and he was moved to the intensive care unit of a hospital in Makkah, where he eventually died.

“Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam passed away yesterday night at 2:00 a.m. Saudi time, which is 12:00 a.m. Nigerian time, at Al-Noor Hospital, Makkah,” he said.

He added that the Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, had informed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), while arrangements were being made for the funeral at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.

According to Ningi, the likely cause of death was a heart-related complication, noting that the deceased had been managing high blood pressure.

He described Jalam as one of the most dedicated officials in the service of Bauchi pilgrims, praising his commitment, courage and selflessness.

“We have lost a hardworking and committed individual who devoted himself to ensuring the comfort and welfare of Bauchi pilgrims,” he said.

Ningi extended condolences to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the family of the deceased, the people of Jalam Emirate and Dambam Local Government Area, as well as the 2026 Bauchi Amirul Hajj and Emir of Misau, Alhaji Ahmad Sulaiman.

He also recalled that Jalam had previously participated in Hajj operations as a volunteer before his official appointment into the state pilgrims welfare committee due to his dedication and outstanding service.

He prayed for Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.