Nigerian pilgrims safe after Makkah hotel fire - NAHCON

All 484 Nigerian pilgrims who were impacted by a fire at their hotel on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah have been confirmed to be safe and accounted for by the country's National Hajj Commission.

The incident happened on Saturday at approximately 12 p.m. (KSA time).

Pilgrims from six Nigerian private tour operator companies were staying at the impacted hotel, known as Imaratus Sanan. All pilgrims have been safely moved to Mina, and NAHCON has reported no casualties despite the warning.

A statement signed on behalf of the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON by Fatima Usara, Assistant Director, Information and Publications Division, states that "the hotel management and Saudi authorities' prompt emergency response helped to contain the fire quickly and prevent it from spreading all over the building."

"All 484 Nigerian pilgrims affected by a fire incident at their accommodation on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah are safe and accounted for," the statement said, according to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Professor Abdullahi Usman, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, visited the scene immediately after the tragedy. He was joined by Director Alidu Shutti, the Deputy Makkah Coordinator, and Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazak, the Commissioner of Policy, Personnel Management and Finance.

According to the statement, the purpose of their visit was to evaluate the situation and make sure that the welfare of the impacted pilgrims was given top priority.

Concerned, Abdullahi "directed for urgent removal of the afflicted pilgrims to a new hostel" during the visit.

Additionally, he offered the impacted pilgrims his condolences, promising that the Commission will do everything in its power to lessen the effects of the incident.”

With the words, "The Chairman thanked Almighty Allah that no life was lost in this unfortunate incident, and promised that NAHCON will work with the affected Tour Operators to ensure that pilgrims are relocated and provided with the necessary assistance," the Chairman conveyed gratitude for the pilgrims' safety.

Resettlement plans are currently underway, and the new building has already undergone inspections.

NAHCON also valued the Saudi emergency services' prompt response and the hotel staff's collaboration in handling the crisis. The commission will provide additional information about the incident as needed.