By Karen James
In a shocking turn of events, the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Ramota Bankole, has tragically passed away after performing her Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia. Bankole, who held the position of former Welfare Secretary for the party, was among the unfortunate pilgrims who succumbed to the excessive heat experienced in the holy land.
The news of Bankole’s death was confirmed by the council chairmen of Epe Local Government, Eredo, and Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Thursday. At the same time, friends and family members were desperately searching for missing hajj pilgrims as the death toll at the annual rituals surpassed 900 due to the scorching heat.
The loss of the Lagos APC Executive member came as a devastating shock to those who knew her, particularly considering her important role within the party. As she had recently celebrated her 60th birthday, her sudden demise was even more heartbreaking.
Chairman of Epe Local Government, Surah Animashaun, expressed her grief in a statement, emphasizing that Bankole was in good health before embarking on the pilgrimage. She said, “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 learned that she died in the holy land of Mecca while on the holy pilgrimage. I extend my condolences to the Bankole family, APC members, and the entire people of Epe on the unfortunate demise of our dear sister and mummy.”
The loss of Bankole serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by pilgrims during the Hajj, particularly in extreme weather conditions. As the community mourns the passing of a respected and influential figure, efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of future pilgrims will undoubtedly be intensified.
