
The Abia State contingent to this year’s Hajj has been thrown into mourning following the death of Alhaji Saleh, the Chairman of the Lokpanta Cattle Market, who passed away in Makkah on the night of Monday, 26 May, 2025.
The late Alhaji Saleh, a respected leader and businessman in Abia State, reportedly answered the call of Allah peacefully while performing the sacred pilgrimage. His death has shocked many within the Igbo Muslim community and among fellow Nigerian pilgrims.

Preparations are currently ongoing for his Salatul Janaza (funeral prayer), which will be conducted at the Haram Mosque in Makkah during Zuhur prayer today, Tuesday, 27 May, 2025.
Muslim groups, including the Islamic Calling Family (ICF) in Imo State and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, have expressed their deep condolences and are coordinating efforts with Abia State pilgrims to ensure a dignified burial.
“May Allah forgive his sins, accept his Hajj, and grant him a place in Jannatul Firdaus,” a condolence message from ICF read.
Source: ICF TV, Imo State
