Two intending pilgrims from Kano State have died in a road accident about two weeks before departure for the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The victims, Alkasim Ibrahim Walawa, 48, and his mother, Hadiza Garba, 73, died in the crash along the Rimin Gado highway, less than 10 kilometres from Kano metropolis.

Both had secured the required travel documents, including Hajj visas, before the incident.

The spokesperson for the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sulaiman Dederi, confirmed the development yesterday and expressed the board’s grief over the loss.

According to Dederi, the deceased were registered members of the state’s 2026 Hajj contingent and died in a fatal accident along the road between Rimin Gado and Kano City.

“Alkasim Ibrahim Walawa, 48, is survived by two wives and seven children.

His mother, Hadiza Garba, 73, is survived by five children. Both deceased were indigenes of Walawa Village in Kabo Local Council.

“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 said.

He added: “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.”