A fire broke out on Saturday at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel in the Sharamansur area of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where 484 Nigerian pilgrims were accommodated. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident.
According to a statement from NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publications, Hajiya Fatima Usara, the fire occurred around 12:00 noon local time while the pilgrims were performing their rituals in Mina.
“NAHCON regrets to inform the public of a fire incident that occurred earlier Saturday around 12:00 noon (KSA time), at one of the hotels accommodating Nigerian pilgrims on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah,” she said. “The affected hotel, Imaratus Sanan, was hosting about 484 pilgrims from six Nigerian Private Tour Operator Companies. Thankfully, no lives were lost, and all pilgrims are safely in Mina.”
She added that the prompt response by Saudi emergency services and hotel management helped contain the fire quickly, preventing it from spreading throughout the building.
Following the incident, NAHCON Chairman and CEO, Professor Abdullahi Usman, visited the site to assess the situation. He was accompanied by Commissioner for Policy Personnel Management and Finance, Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazak, and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Director Alidu Shutti.
Professor Usman emphasized the commission’s dedication to the welfare of the pilgrims. “Our priority is the safety and comfort of our pilgrims,” he said. “We have arranged immediate relocation to alternative accommodations and will provide every support within our capacity to minimise their distress.”
He expressed gratitude that no lives were lost and commended the quick action of Saudi emergency teams and the cooperation of hotel management in handling the situation.
