The number of Nigerian pilgrims that died while performing the 2019 Hajj in Saudi Arabia has risen to nine.

The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ibrahim Kana, made the announcement in Muna while briefing journalists on activities of the medical team of NAHCON for the pilgrims.

“The deceased, a Lagos State pilgrim, collapsed at Jamrat and brought to the hospital in Muna but died, she was hypertensive,” Mr Kana said.

Speaking with a correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Muna on the issue earlier, the Lagos State Amir Hajj, AbdulLateef Abdulkarim, identified the deceased as Folashade Lawal.

He said that the late Mr Lawal hailed from Oshodi Local Government Area of the state, noting that she slumped at 3 a m while heading to Jamrat to throw stone at the devil, one of the Islamic rites towards acceptable hajj.

Mr Kana said well-trained medical personnel were on ground to attend to pilgrims.

He identified cough and hypertension as some of the health challenges presented by patients.