By Suzan Edeh

Bauchi—No fewer than 1,602 Muslim pilgrims from Bauchi State are expected to perform the 2018 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The state’s Deputy Admiral Hajj, Alhaji Uba Nana, disclosed this yesterday, while addressing the media committee of 2018 Hajj for Bauchi contingents.

He said all the pilgrims from the state will be conveyed in three flights by a Boeing 737 aircraft at the state’s International Airport.

File: Muslim pilgrims 

According to him, “3,090 seats were allocated to the state by the National Hajj Commission, but only 1,602 pilgrims paid the required amount. The initial deposit for the Hajj exercise was N1.5 million, but the commission later reduced it to N1,476,328,91.

“The breakdown of the N1.4 million for the Hajj exercise covers accommodation in Mecca and Madina, feeding at Masha’ir among other expenses.”

Uba Nana, who is also the state Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, called on Muslim pilgrims in the state to be of good conduct by upholding a good image of the state, while performing the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, adding that they should observe every religious obligation while at the Holy Land.

He cautioned journalists against reporting fake news and urged them to be professional in their reportage, pointing out that they should always crosscheck facts from the relevant authorities before giving out information to the public.