Hajj 2024: 4th Batch of FCT pilgrims return, reunite with families

By Stanley Onyekwere

The fourth batch of pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) numbering 360 yesterday landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after completion of this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
It was gathered that the pilgrims who boarded Air-peace flight APK 7907 departed Jeddah to Abuja at 13:47hrs with 360 pilgrims and 28 others.
The pilgrims arrived Nnamdi Azikiwe international Airport at about 4:54pm Nigeria time via the Air-peace flight APK 7907, and couldn’t hide their excitement for reuniting with thier families.
The pilgrims were those who paid thier Hajj fares through the FCT Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board and Hajj Savings Scheme pilgrims.
Some of pilgrims expressed gratitude to almighty Allah for bringing them back home safely and appreciated the Honorable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud for their unflinching support, that ensured that their wellbeing was throughout Hajj exercise.
In particular, they expressed satisfaction on the way and manners, in which the FCT board handled their feedings arrangements, accommodation and took care of their wellbeing through out the Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia.
A pilgrim, Dr. Muhammad Ahmed Shehu, who is also the Dan Amana Bauchi thanked Almighty Allah for giving them the opportunity to be among those who performed this year’s hajj and appreciated the pilgrims for always showing interest to have knowledge before performing each Hajj rites.
Our correspondent reports that, with the safe landing of the fourth flight which carried the pilgrims brought the total number of FCT pilgrims who have arrived Nigeria and landed in Nnamdi Azikiwe international Airport to one thousand three hundred and sixty pilgrims, out of the two thousand nine hundreds and fifty eight pilgrims that performed the Hajj through the FCT Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Also, with FCT having a total of ten flights, it was learnt that arrangements have been concluded for the fifth flight to depart Makkah to Jeddah, where they will be airlifted to Nigeria.