Ramota Bankole, a former welfare secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos chapter has died in Saudi Arabia after performing Hajj.
According to reports, Bankole is among pilgrims who lost their lives following excessive heat recorded in the holy land.
Due to the heat, the Saudi government has since suspended the stone-throwing rite.
Confirming her death, the council chairmen of Epe Local Government, Eredo and Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) said there’s an ongoing search by friends and family members for missing Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia after death toll at the annual rituals surged past 900.
Bankole’s death was described as a rude shock, considering her role within the party.
Leading the trio, chairman of Epe Local Government, Surah Animashaun, in her statement, added that the deceased was hale and hearty and had celebrated her 60th birthday before leaving the country for pilgrimage.
“It’s with a heavy heart, and a deep sense of grief that I received the news of the death of Alhaja Ramota Bankole.
“It is a sad day indeed as I received the news that she died in the holy land of Mecca while on holy pilgrim.
“I extend my condolences to the Bankole family, APC members and entire people of Epe on the unfortunate demise of our dear Sister and Mummy,” the statement said.