A fire broke out at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel in Mecca’s Sharamansur area, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, accommodating over 480 Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj via private tour operators.
While the blaze caused extensive damage to parts of the building, fortunately, no lives were lost.
This was because the pilgrims were away in Mina, performing the symbolic stoning ritual, a crucial part of the Hajj pilgrimage.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), through its spokesperson Fatima Usara, confirmed the incident. NAHCON expressed gratitude for the rapid response of the Saudi fire services and hotel staff, whose efforts contained the fire and prevented any casualties.
NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Usman quickly visited the scene to assess the damage.
Visibly affected by the destruction, Usman offered comfort to the impacted pilgrims and lauded the swift intervention of local authorities.
“Our priority is the safety and comfort of our pilgrims,” he stated.
“We have arranged immediate relocation to alternative accommodations and will provide every support within our capacity to minimize their distress.”
Usman also commended the Saudi fire service and the hotel management for their prompt action.
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