A fire outbreak occurred at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel in the Sharamansur area of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where over 480 Nigerian pilgrims were lodged for the 2025 Hajj, causing significant concern on Saturday.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that all 484 Nigerian pilgrims affected by the incident have been fully accounted for and are safe. According to NAHCON, most pilgrims were away from the hotel at the time of the fire, as they were in Mina performing the symbolic devil stoning ritual.
Swift Response Prevented Casualties
In a statement issued by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publications for the NAHCON Chairman/CEO, the commission highlighted that prompt emergency response by Saudi authorities and hotel management helped contain the fire and prevented it from spreading throughout the building.
Following the incident, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman, accompanied by key officials, visited the site to assess the damage and ensure that affected pilgrims were immediately relocated to safer accommodations.
"Inspections of the new lodging have been completed, and relocation is already underway," the statement confirmed.
NAHCON's Response and Assurances
Professor Abdullahi expressed sympathy to the affected pilgrims and assured them that the Commission, in collaboration with the tour operators involved, will provide all necessary assistance during this challenging time.
The NAHCON Chairman also expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the safety of all pilgrims and commended the rapid intervention of Saudi emergency services and hotel staff, which prevented what could have been a more serious incident.
This incident comes as Nigerian pilgrims continue their Hajj rituals in Saudi Arabia, with the pilgrimage drawing to a close in the coming days.
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