Press Releases
The Cross River state Muslim Pilgrims Board wishes to inform Muslims in the state that the Saudi authorities have restricted this year’s hajj to those who were already in the holy land before the outbreak of the global pandemic, Coronavirus, codenamed COVID-19
Consequently, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia will only permit hajj for a limited number of pilgrims from various nationalities who already reside in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This decision is consequent upon safety and health concerns for the pilgrims who will be performing hajj at the of the Holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Due to the outbreak of Coronavirus in more than 180 countries around the world, the number of deaths has hit nearly half a million worldwide hence the precautionary measure by Saudi Arabia.
The Cross River state Muslim Pilgrims Board, has already paid courtesy call on the Rev.Fr.Bob Etta, Senior Special Adviser on Religious Affairs to His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade, to notify him of the development.
To keep Muslim faithful abreast of the situation, the Board has visited all the Mosques in Calabar Metropolis to interact with the Imams.
Consequently, all intending pilgrims in Cross River who had made payment for this year’s hajj are requested to apply for the refund of their money.
Signed
Alhaji Rabilu Abdullahi Maimaje
Chairman, Cross River State Muslim Pilgrims Board
