Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board (KSPWB) has said that the board has airlifted a total number of 1,670 pilgrims, back to the country through the Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
Director of Operations, Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Panda said the board had so far airlifted contingents from Tudunwada, Doguwa, Garun Malam, Bebeji, Albasu and Garko local government areas respectively.
According to him, the flights include 560 entourage that arrived on Monday by 9:56 pm local time with Pilgrims from Albasu and Garko local government areas as well as returnees from Ungoggo local government area.
He added that the other batch left King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah on Tuesday with 538 pilgrims and 14 officials.
Panda then commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for protesting against the earlier decision made by Saudi authorities of airlifting the Kano delegation from Madina instead of Jeddah.
He explained that jetting the Kano delegation via Madina airport did not arise as they have since visited the mosque of the holy prophet Muhammad (SAW) and other historical sites in the revered city before the commencement of the spiritual exercise.
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNEÂ
and then