By Matthew Denis
The first batch of pilgrims from Kwara state who performed this year hajj rites on Saturday arrived Ilorin International Airport.
The pilgrims numbering about 560 were aboard Max Air aircraft which landed at the airport at exactly 12:07am.
The aircraft was later airborne at about 2:34am Nigerian time.
With this development, the state is left with three batches of pilgrims in the Holy Land.
Recall that a total of 2,026 pilgrims from Kwara State performed this year Hajj rites at Saudi Arabia.
The remaining three batches are to return sequentially.
The Executive Secretary of Kwara State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Tunde Jimoh had on Friday confirmed departure of the pilgrims from King Abdulazeez International Airport, Jeddah by 7:30pm Saudi Arabia time.
He disclosed that other batches are expected to depart the Holy Land as soon as the board gets confirmation for their flights.
Speaking to Pilot Aviation, one of the returnees, Hajia Maimunat Issa from Edu Local Government of Kwara State, appreciated Almighty Allah for his protection throughout the period of hajj, which is one of the five cardinal pillars of Islam.
Also, Alhaji Abubakri Saka from Moro Local Government of Kwara State said pilgrims prayed for the state and Nigeria as well as leadership of the country while in the Holy Land.
