By Aliyu Bala GERENGI, Gombe
The last batch of pilgrims from Gombe State who participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise returned home safely on Saturday, arriving at the Gombe International Airport at about 12:09 p.m.
The return flight was led by the First Lady of Gombe State, Hajiya Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya, alongside the Amirul Hajj and Emir of Dukku Alhaji Haruna Abdulkadir Rasheed.
Speaking shortly after arrival, the First Lady congratulated the pilgrims on the successful completion of the Hajj rites and prayed for Allah to accept their acts of worship.
She urged the returning pilgrims to sustain the spiritual values and lessons acquired during the pilgrimage and continue to pray for peace, unity, and development in Gombe State and Nigeria as a whole.
Also speaking, the Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Haruna Abdulkadir Rasheed, expressed satisfaction with the successful conclusion of the 2026 Hajj operations.
He commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his commitment and support, which he said contributed significantly to the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage exercise.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, also appreciated the governor for providing the necessary support that facilitated the early airlift and return of pilgrims.
According to him, the 2026 Hajj operation stands out as one of the most successful in the history of Gombe State, owing to the level of coordination and welfare services provided to pilgrims.
Commenting on the successful completion of the exercise, the Head of Emergency and Fire Fighting Services at Gombe International Airport, Mr. Epson Essai Pensur, who represented the Airport Manager, highlighted measures put in place to safeguard public health.
He explained that health screening facilities had been deployed at the airport to monitor and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including Ebola and other viral infections, among returning passengers.
The atmosphere at the airport was filled with excitement as family members and friends gathered to welcome their loved ones.
Many were seen embracing and congratulating the pilgrims on the successful completion of the sacred journey.
