Lesser Hajj: 278 Borno, Yobe Pilgrims Arrive Saudi

SAN FRANCISCO, June 29, (THEWILL) - The Borno and Yobe States' pilgrims to this year's lesser Hajj (Umrah) numbering 278 finally arrived Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

They had gone through a harrowing experience at home as they were made to travel by road from Maiduguri to Kano before connecting their flight to Saudi.

Military operatives last week prevented a Max Airline plane chartered by the Skynet International Limited, the Umrah operator, from carrying the Saudi pilgrims from the Maiduguri International Airport, citing security concerns.

The intervention of the Borno State governor Kashim Shettima could not persuade the military to shift ground.

The pilgrims who had already undergone all security checks at the airport were thus forced to travel for several hours on the Maiduguri-Damaturu- Potiskum road despite the danger posed by Boko Haram along the route.

The plane was also forced to return to Kano empty as it was not allowed to carry any passenger.

Managing Director of Skynet International, Grema Terab, confirmed on Sunday that the pilgrims travelled through the night safely on the road and were thereafter airlifted to Saudi from the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.