Muslim pilgrims to this year’s Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from Bauchi State have been advised to be law-abiding and strongly warned to steer clear of any criminal acts before, during and after the exercise while in the Holy Land.
While they were also advised to be good ambassadors of not only the state but also Nigeria in Saudi Arabia, the pilgrims were also urged to strictly adhere to all the instructions given to them during the orientation period and use officials attached to them during the Hajj exercise.
A member of the Bauchi State 2022 Hajj Committee and the state Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, gave the advice on Tuesday while addressing the intending pilgrims at the conference hall of the Abubakar Sa’ad Hajj Camp in Bauchi.
While emphasising the need to be of good behaviour during their stay in the Holy Land, Justice Umar told the pilgrims that the laws in Saudi Arabia are very strict and harsh on offenders.
She said security agencies in Saudi Arabia were not selective in enforcing the laws of their country, adding that the best option for the pilgrims was for them to strictly obey the laws of the host country.
“When you misbehave, the authorities will apprehend you, and deal with you in accordance with the relevant laws of the land. You will become an embarrassment to not only yourself and your family but also to Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole. Therefore, be careful.”
She also strictly warned the pilgrims not to agree to help anyone carry their luggage no matter how familiar such person may be to them, saying that doing so had put many persons in trouble in the past.
The Chief Judge also warned against carrying banned items, including Kola nuts and hard drugs, adding that they should avoid giving out their money for exchange indiscriminately.
“Do not accept to assist anyone with luggage, particularly after you must have been cleared and ready to board. Such a person may have a dangerous item in the bag and if you are found with it, that is your end.
“Don’t go with banned substances, not even kola nuts are allowed in Saud Arabia. Don’t use hard drugs, avoid anything that will put you in trouble. Don’t give out your money to anyone for changing, all such can put you in trouble.”
She then told the pilgrims to rely on the state pilgrims welfare board officials, who she said had been well trained, for assistance throughout the period of the spiritual exercise.
“All the officials you see in uniform have been well trained to guide and assist you throughout the Hajj operation. Feel free to approach any of us anytime and anywhere you need assistance, that is the only way you can have a successful Hajj and come back home safely,” she assured them.