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Hajj:Over 3.5m Pilgrims Depart For Saudi Arabia
More than 3.5 million pilgrims worldwide have been transported to Muna in Saudi Arabia as at Saturday for the start of the 2010 Hajj.
Alhaji Arzika Tureta, a pilgrim and the Sokoto State Commissioner
for Education who disclosed this, commended the Saudi government for the “effective transportation network”.
“I am happy with the Saudi government’s arrangement for this year’s Hajj. It is just so perfect and highly convenient,’’ he said.
Alhaji Shaiubu Adamu, a pilgrim from Plateau State, also commended the Saudi government’s arrangement on security.
He said “competent security officers are seen all over the place, ready to discharge their constitutional responsibilities. Pilgrims feel so good and secure.”
However, some pilgrims complained about high cost of food items in Muna.
Alhaji Mohammad Kamaludeen, a pilgrim from Sokoto State, said the cost of food items in Muna was high, especially drinking water and soft drinks.
He said the free food given by the Saudi government at different locations always got exhausted immediately they were supplied.
“Since I came to Muna last night, I did not eat any food. And you know that one must eat well to be able to perform the Hajj rites.
“We are to spend three days in Mina before proceeding to Mecca for other Hajj rites,” he said.