The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that no lives were lost after a fire broke out at a hotel accommodating 484 Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah on Saturday.
In a statement released by NAHCON’s spokesperson, Fatima Usara, the fire occurred around noon at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel located on Shari Mansur Street, while the pilgrims were performing their rituals in Mina.
“The Imaratus Sanan Hotel, which was hosting approximately 484 Nigerian pilgrims from six Private Tour Operator Companies, was affected by the fire incident,” the statement read.
“Fortunately, all the pilgrims were safe as they were in Mina at the time.”
Emergency services from Saudi authorities, alongside hotel management, responded swiftly to contain the fire and prevent further damage to the building, Usara added.
Following the incident, NAHCON’s chairman and CEO, Abdullahi Saleh, promptly visited the site to assess the situation and oversee the welfare of the affected pilgrims.
He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, Aliu Abdulrazak, as well as the Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Director Alidu Shutti.
Saleh directed that all affected pilgrims be immediately relocated to alternative accommodations to ensure their comfort and safety.
Expressing sympathy to those impacted, the NAHCON chairman assured that the commission would extend all necessary support to ease the disruption caused by the incident.
He further pledged collaboration with the concerned tour operators to facilitate smooth relocation and assistance for the pilgrims.
Saleh and his team also commended the prompt and effective response of the Saudi emergency personnel and lauded the cooperation of the hotel staff in managing the crisis.
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