---

By Ibrahim Obansa, Lokoja.

Eight hundred pilgrims from Kogi state who are performing this year Hajj have been successfully airlifted to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia to join other pilgrims from across the globe to perform their religious obligation. The pilgrims who were moved in two batches of five hundred and three hundred respectively, are already in Madina performing the first rights of their religious obligation.

Confirming this yesterday in statement in Madina which was made available to journalists, the public relations officer of the Kogi Hajj Commission, Alhaji Abubakar, said all is set for the airlift of the remaining pilgrims.

He said 916 pilgrims from kogi state are expected to perform this year’s Hajj, noting that all arrangement have been put in place for Kogi pilgrims to have an hitch free exercise.

He urged pilgrims to pray for the peace and progress of Nigeria, Kogi state and its leadership while in the holy land, saying without peace, there cannot be any development.