The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims' Welfare Board has launched an investigation into reports that several state pilgrims were defrauded of their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) during the recently concluded Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Abdul Salam Abdulkadir, Executive Secretary of the board, preliminary findings suggest that unscrupulous individuals swapped pilgrims' $100 bills with $1 bills under the pretense of helping them exchange currency in Medina.
"Every pilgrim was given their $500 BTA in five $100 bills in the public space and under the supervision of officials of the Directorate of State Security who ensured that the currency was original," Abdulkadir explained. "Each pilgrim signed for the collection of their BTA after counting it in the presence of pilgrims' board officials and the DSS."
Vulnerable Pilgrims Targeted
The fraud came to light after a viral video showed some pilgrims claiming they had received five one-dollar bills instead of the five one-hundred-dollar notes they were supposed to have. The board's investigation revealed that the incidents likely occurred after the pilgrims had arrived in Medina.
"In several cases, the affected individuals, mostly elderly and not familiar with foreign currencies, had sought help from strangers to convert their funds into Saudi Riyals," the statement noted.
The board has condemned the actions of those who exploited the vulnerability of the pilgrims and has welcomed any credible information that might assist in identifying the perpetrators.
Governor's Intervention
In response to the incident, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has provided financial relief to the affected pilgrims. Each victim received $500 to offset their losses. The Governor also visited the Kwara pilgrims' hotel in Mecca, where he extended additional financial support to all pilgrims to help with their local expenses.
The board secretary expressed gratitude for the Governor's "swift and compassionate intervention."
Call for Improved Security Measures
With similar fraudulent currency swaps reported among pilgrims from other states, the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims' Welfare Board has voiced support for the Central Bank of Nigeria's proposal to replace cash disbursements of BTA with preloaded debit cards.
"This will enhance transparency, reduce the risk of theft or fraud, and ensure that all pilgrims, especially the elderly can manage their funds more securely," the statement concluded.
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