Arafat: Saudi modernises stoning of devil to check stampede

Arafat: Saudi modernises stoning of devil to check stampedeThe Saudi authorities have introduced an electronic system into the stoning of the three devils at Muna after Arafat day.

This is to monitor the movement of pilgrims to ensure orderliness and check stampede in the 2019 pilgrimage.

The Representative of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Tanko Aliyu, disclosed this to journalists on Sunday at Muna when he led them on inspection of Nigerian pilgrims’ tent at Muna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the monitoring is part of efforts by NAHCON in ensuring hitch-free pilgrimage, as the pilgrims prepare to stone devil in Muna after Arafat day, Aug. 10.

“The new idea is necessitated by the fact that previous stoning was not without some negative developments.

“Some pilgrims were known to have missed their bearing in the process of stoning the three devils among others,” he said.

He urged NAHCON officials and their counterparts in the states to swing into action by educating the pilgrims, on the need to adapt to the new system, adding that it is meant for their safety.

According to him, stoning devil is a crucial process leading to acceptable Hajj as well as being the climax of the pilgrimage.

NAHCON’s representative noted that controlling movement of pilgrims during the event cannot be overemphasised

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