A fire broke out at a hotel housing 484 Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca on Saturday, according to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The incident occurred around noon local time on Shari Mansur Street, however, no casualties were recorded.
In a statement released by NAHCON spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, the blaze was quickly brought under control thanks to the swift intervention of Saudi emergency services and the hotel management. All the affected pilgrims have since been relocated safely to Mina.
“Thanks to the prompt response from Saudi authorities and hotel staff, the fire was swiftly contained, preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of all occupants,” Usara noted.
Following the incident, NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, accompanied by Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazak, Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management, and Finance, and Director Alidu Shutti, Deputy Makkah Coordinator, visited the scene to assess the situation and oversee the welfare of the affected pilgrims.
“During the visit, Professor Abdullahi expressed concern over the incident and ordered the immediate relocation of all affected pilgrims to new accommodation. He sympathised with them and assured that NAHCON would do everything possible to lessen the impact of the incident,” the statement read.
NAHCON boss glad no casulty recorded
The Chairman also thanked God for the absence of casualties and emphasised that the Commission was already working with the involved tour operators to ensure a smooth transition to the new accommodation. He and his team have inspected the new premises and finalised arrangements for the resettlement.
Both the Chairman and Commissioner commended the quick action taken by Saudi emergency responders and the cooperation from hotel staff.
NAHCON added that further information would be provided as necessary.
