Panic as fire rips through Nigerian Pilgrim’s hotel in Makkah

A fire outbreak has gutted a hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj exercise were being accommodated.

The incident, which occurred around 12 noon Saudi Arabian time on Saturday,  June 7, involved the Imaratus Sanan Hotel located on Shari Mansur Street, according to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

In a statement signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of the Commission’s Information and Publication Division, it was revealed that the hotel was housing 484 Nigerian pilgrims.

The affected individuals were from six Private Tour Operator Companies.

NAHCON confirmed that no life was lost, and all the pilgrims were safely evacuated.

At the time of the fire, the pilgrims were in Mina, observing a core rite of the Hajj.

“Immediate emergency response by Saudi authorities and the hotel management helped to contain the fire swiftly,” the statement read.

NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh, led a team of officials to the hotel for on-the-spot assessment. He expressed relief that the incident did not result in any fatalities or injuries.

Following the inspection, the Chairman ordered the immediate relocation of all the affected pilgrims to alternative accommodation.

Professor Saleh also directed the Commission to coordinate with the affected tour operators to ensure all pilgrims receive adequate support and continued comfort during their spiritual exercise.

“We are committed to ensuring that our pilgrims remain safe, comfortable and undistracted in the course of their Hajj,” he said.

The exact cause of the fire has not been disclosed, but Saudi authorities are said to have launched an investigation into the incident.

This marks the first major emergency involving Nigerian pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season, which began with the arrival of thousands of pilgrims from Nigeria to the holy land earlier in May.

Officials have advised Nigerian pilgrims to remain calm and vigilant, while reassuring them of continued safety measures and swift responses to emergencies.

The Commission reiterated its zero casualty record and pledged that every pilgrim will complete their religious rites with minimal disruption.

Further updates are expected from NAHCON and Saudi emergency services as investigations progress.

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