The 2026 Amirul Hajj and Chairman of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Board, Prince Shamsudeen Adebayo Apelogun, has assured Ogun State pilgrims and their families of their safety following a tragic accident that reportedly affected some pilgrims during the ongoing Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.

Prince Apelogun gave the assurance during a press briefing in Mecca.

He expressed deep sympathy over the incident and extended condolences to affected pilgrims and their families, while stressing that no pilgrim from Ogun State was directly involved in the accident.

The Amirul Hajj disclosed that pilgrims from Ogun State who were ill are receiving prompt medical attention and responding positively to treatment.

According to him, pilgrimage officials have also strengthened monitoring efforts and transportation safety arrangements to reduce risks and prevent future occurrences.

Prince Apelogun urged pilgrims to remain calm and continue their spiritual activities peacefully, noting that the welfare, safety and protection of pilgrims remain a top priority for the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Board.

He further advised pilgrims to strictly adhere to safety guidelines issued by officials, cooperate with authorities and avoid overcrowded areas during movement between pilgrimage sites.

The Ogun State Amirul Hajj also appealed to family members in Nigeria not to panic, assuring them that the board remains in constant communication with Saudi authorities and pilgrimage officials supervising the exercise.

Religious leaders accompanying the pilgrims offered prayers for those affected by the incident and encouraged pilgrims to remain united, prayerful and supportive of one another during the pilgrimage.

The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, annually attracts millions of Muslims from around the world to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.