The Amirul Hajj and Emir of Kontagora, Muazu Barau III, has urged the 560 intending pilgrims from Niger State to pray for a hitch-free general election in 2023.

Addressing the intending pilgrims on Friday in Minna, Mr Barau urged them to use the pilgrimage to “pray to Almighty Allah for peaceful existence and hitch-free 2023 general elections.”

Also inaugurating the first flight at Umar Faruk Bahago Hajj camp in Bosso Local Government Area of the state, he urged them to be law-abiding while in the holy land.

Earlier in his address, Governor Abubakar Bello congratulated the intending pilgrims for making it to this year’s hajj exercise.

Represented by Deputy Governor Ahmed Ketsu, Mr Bello warned them against any act capable of tarnishing the image of the state and the country.

He assured them their welfare would be of paramount importance, considering the status of persons leading the state government delegation.

Meanwhile, the executive secretary, Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board in Niger, Umar Maku, said the 560 intending pilgrims “are from Munya, Mashegu, Chanchaga, Kontagora and Magama local government areas of the state”.

(NAN)