By our reporter 7-6-2025
Over 480 Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj are lucky to be alive after fire burn through the hotel they are lodged in Mecca.
The hotel, Imaratus Sanan, located on Shari Mansur Street in Mecca, was hosting the pilgrims from six Nigerian Private Tour Operator Companies.
Confirming the incident, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in a statement by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara, conveyed the condolences of the commission’s chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman.
She also commended the swift response of Saudi fire services and hotel staff in quickly containing the inferno and preventing any casualties.
The NAHCON Chairman has visited the site and ordered the immediate relocation of the affected pilgrims to a new accommodation. He also assured that the Commission will provide every possible support within its capacity to cushion the impact of the incident.
“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) regrets to inform the public of a fire incident that occurred earlier today, Saturday, 7th June 2025, around 12:00 noon (KSA time), at one of the hotels accommodating Nigerian pilgrims on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah.
“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. Immediate emergency response by Saudi authorities and the hotel management helped to contain the fire swiftly and prevent it from spreading all over the building.
“The Chairman thanked Almighty Allah that no life was lost in this unfortunate incident, promising that NAHCON will work with the affected Tour Operators to ensure that pilgrims are relocated and provided with the necessary assistance. The Chairman and his team have already inspected the new building and concluded arrangement for the pilgrims’ resettlement.
“The Chairman and Commissioner PPMF appreciated the prompt response of the Saudi emergency services and the cooperation of the hotel staff in managing the situation.
“Further updates will be communicated as necessary.”