Hajj: Kebbi Youth Group Slams MURIC, Says ₦10bn Facility Fully Repaid

The Kebbi Progressive Youths Organisation (KEPYO) has faulted a recent publication by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) over claims that the Kebbi State Government misplaced priorities by securing a ₦10 billion facility in connection with the 2025 Hajj exercise.

Addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, KEPYO spokesperson, Comrade Musa Adamu, described the article as misleading, poorly researched and deliberately framed to stir public resentment rather than enlighten the public.

While affirming MURIC’s right to comment on issues relating to Muslim welfare, Adamu stressed that such interventions must be anchored on verified facts and proper understanding of the issues involved.

“It is disappointing that an organisation known for advocating Muslim rights would neglect basic fact-checking and rush to the media with conclusions that do not reflect the reality of the situation,” he said.

KEPYO clarified that the ₦10 billion facility was not expended on sponsoring pilgrims, contrary to MURIC’s claims, but was instead a temporary financial arrangement to secure Kebbi State’s Hajj slots before the expiration of a critical payment deadline.

According to the group, many intending pilgrims, predominantly farmers, were unable to meet the deadline due to the November–December harvest period, making immediate full payment impracticable.

Adamu explained that failure to act promptly would have resulted in the forfeiture of the state’s Hajj allocation, thereby depriving hundreds of qualified pilgrims of the opportunity to fulfil their religious obligation through no fault of their own.

He further disclosed that the facility has since been fully repaid after the harvest season, with pilgrims completing their Hajj fare payments, noting that the transaction is verifiable through records at the State Pilgrims Welfare Board and relevant financial institutions.

KEPYO described the intervention by the Kebbi State Government as prudent, people-focused and in line with its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens.

The organisation urged MURIC to retract the publication, issue a clarification to the public, and ensure future engagements are guided by facts and balance, to avoid misleading narratives and unwarranted attacks on governments acting in good faith.