Stampede Updates: NYSC Anxious Over 100 Missing Corps Members In Saudi Arabia

The headquarters of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in Abuja was yesterday gripped with anxiety over the fate of about 100 corps members participating in hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The rumored death of one of its' staff from the FCT secretariat, also compounded the situation.

A source yesterday confirmed that the management was worried about the welfare of its corps members, adding that necessary steps taken to reach the corps members directly failed. 

According to the source, about 100 corps members were granted permission to participate in this year's Hajj. He added that the management of the scheme has resorted to calling their next-of-kins, to get first hand information about their well-being. 

Over 700 pilgrims performing this year's Hajj in Saudi Arabia died, with more than 800 injured during a stampede which occurred while the pilgrims were performing the last rite of the Hajj - stoning of the devil.