[PHOTOS] Foremost Northern Journalist, Islamic Scholar Among Victims Of Hajj Stampede

 

The first female editor from Northern Nigeria, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, and a prominent academic, Prof. Tijjani El-Miskin, are among the 717 persons confirmed dead in the Saudi Hajj stampede.

Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf  was a veteran journalist by profession and a political scientist by training. She received a B.Sc. in political science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and an M.A. in political science from the University of Wisconsin, USA. She studied journalism at the Moscow Institute for Journalism and International Relations and earned an advanced diploma in journalism and international relations.

One of Nigeria’s respected Islamic intellectuals, Prof. Tijani El-Miskin, is also among the Nigerian casualties.

El-Miskin was a professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies. He was among the 11 candidates who last year vied for appointment as University of Maiduguri Vice Chancellor.He was Chairman of Borno State Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Over 700 pilgrims died in the incident, while another 863 were injured as the pilgrims were taking part in the Hajj’s last major rite.It is the deadliest incident to occur during the Hajj in 25 years. About two million people are performing Hajj this year including 70,000 Nigerians.