The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed a fire incident at a hotel housing 484 Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.
According to a statement by NAHCON spokesperson Fatima Sanda Usara, the fire occurred at a hotel on Shari Mansur Street around 12:00 noon local time. She assured that no lives were lost and all pilgrims have safely relocated to Mina.
Usara credited the swift response of Saudi emergency services and the hotel management for quickly containing the fire, preventing it from spreading further.
Following the incident, NAHCON Chairman/CEO Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, accompanied by Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management, and Finance Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazak, and Deputy Makkah Coordinator Director Alidu Shutti, visited the site to evaluate the situation and prioritize the affected pilgrims’ welfare.
“Expressing concern during the visit, Professor Abdullahi ordered for immediate relocation of the affected pilgrims to a new accommodation. He commiserated with the affected pilgrims, assuring that the Commission will provide every possible support within its capacity to cushion the impact of the incident.
“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 arrangements 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,” the statement read in part.
It added that further updates will be communicated as necessary.