The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed a fire outbreak at Imaratus Sanan, a hotel accommodating Nigerian pilgrims on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah.
According to a statement by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of the Information and Publication Division at NAHCON, the fire occurred around noon (Saudi Arabian time) on Saturday, June 7.
The hotel was hosting about 484 Nigerian pilgrims under the care of six private tour operator companies.
Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident. All the affected pilgrims have since moved to Mina valley, where they are observing one of the key rites of Hajj.
Swift intervention by Saudi emergency services and the hotel management prevented the fire from spreading and ensured the safety of all occupants.
NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh, led a team of officials to the scene to assess the situation and ensure appropriate measures were taken.
Following the visit, the Chairman ordered the immediate relocation of all affected pilgrims to new accommodation.
He also assured that the Commission would work closely with the tour operators to provide necessary support and assistance to the victims.
