By Abdulkadir Aliyu Shehu
Hundreds of pilgrims from Gombe State participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday successfully performed the symbolic stoning of the devil at the Jamrat complex in Mina under the leadership of the Chairman of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Abdulkadir Haroon Rashid.
The spiritual exercise, which forms one of the major rites of Hajj, was conducted peacefully as the Gombe contingent joined millions of Muslim pilgrims from across the world in the sacred ritual commemorating the obedience and steadfastness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Leading the delegation, the Emir of Dukku supervised the movement of the pilgrims from their tents in Mina to the Jamrat Bridge, ensuring that proper coordination, discipline, and safety measures were strictly observed throughout the exercise.
The Gombe pilgrims, comprising men and women from different local government areas of the state, were guided by officials of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, medical personnel, and Islamic scholars attached to the delegation.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, Alhaji Abdulkadir Haroon Rashid expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful completion of the rite without any major incident involving pilgrims from the state.
He commended the pilgrims for their patience, discipline, and adherence to directives issued by Saudi authorities and the board’s officials during the movement to and from the Jamrat area.
According to him, the welfare and safety of pilgrims remain the top priority of the board throughout the Hajj operations in the holy land.
The Emir noted that the stoning of the devil symbolises the rejection of evil, temptations, and disobedience to Allah, urging pilgrims to uphold the lessons of sacrifice, tolerance, and righteousness after returning home.
Some of the pilgrims who spoke with journalists described the exercise as spiritually uplifting and well-organised despite the large crowds witnessed around the Jamrat complex.
A pilgrim from Gombe Local Government Area, Malam Yusuf Adamu, said the guidance provided by officials greatly assisted pilgrims in carrying out the rite with ease and confidence.
Another pilgrim, Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the board for ensuring adequate welfare services, transportation arrangements, and medical support for pilgrims throughout their stay in Mina.
Saudi Arabian authorities had earlier intensified crowd control measures and emergency services around the Jamrat Bridge to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims from different countries participating in this year’s Hajj.
Officials of the Gombe delegation confirmed that all pilgrims from the state completed the rite and safely returned to their camps in Mina after the exercise.
The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the comfort, safety, and spiritual fulfilment of all pilgrims from the state until the completion of the pilgrimage and their return to Nigeria.