A fire broke out on Saturday at Imaratus Sanan Hotel in the Sharamansur area of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where over 480 Nigerian pilgrims were staying for the 2025 Hajj. The incident sparked panic but resulted in no casualties, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed.
According to NAHCON, all 484 Nigerian pilgrims linked to the hotel have been accounted for and are safe. The Commission noted that most of the pilgrims were in Mina at the time, performing the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual.
In a statement issued by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publications for the NAHCON Chairman/CEO, it was revealed that swift action by Saudi emergency services and the hotel’s management helped contain the fire and prevented it from spreading further.
Following the incident, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman, led a delegation to inspect the scene and oversee the immediate relocation of affected pilgrims to safer accommodations. The Commission confirmed that inspections of the new lodging facilities have been completed and the relocation process is underway.
Professor Abdullahi extended his sympathy to the pilgrims and assured them that NAHCON, in partnership with tour operators, will continue to support those affected. He also expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the safety of the pilgrims and praised the prompt response of Saudi emergency teams and hotel staff.
