A raging fire broke out on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel in the Shari Mansur area of Mecca, Saudi Arabia — a facility housing over 480 Nigerian pilgrims partaking in this year’s Hajj under private tour operators.
Fortunately, the pilgrims were not at the hotel during the outbreak of the blaze. They had already departed for Mina to participate in the symbolic stoning ritual, a central rite of the sacred pilgrimage.
The fire, which erupted around noon (KSA time), tore through significant sections of the building, sending thick plumes of smoke skyward and causing substantial structural damage. However, in what can only be described as divine mercy, no lives were lost.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed the incident in an official statement issued by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara, lauding the swift response of Saudi emergency services and hotel staff. Their rapid intervention was critical in containing the fire and preventing a full-scale disaster.
NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, accompanied by top officials including Commissioner of Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazak, and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Director Alidu Shutti, immediately visited the scene to assess the situation and provide necessary support.
Visibly shaken by the destruction, Professor Usman nonetheless offered heartfelt gratitude for the safety of the pilgrims.
> “Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our pilgrims,” he said. “We are relieved there were no casualties and have taken swift steps to relocate the affected pilgrims to a new hotel to ensure their comfort and dignity remain intact.”
Professor Usman also ordered the immediate relocation of the 484 pilgrims affected by the incident to newly secured accommodations, following an on-site inspection to guarantee readiness.
In addition to physical reassurances, the NAHCON Chairman also offered spiritual consolation:
> “We thank Almighty Allah for sparing lives in what could have been a catastrophic incident. This is a test, and by His mercy, we shall overcome.”
The Commission promised to work closely with the affected private tour operators to provide all necessary assistance, from replacing damaged belongings to ensuring uninterrupted participation in the remaining Hajj rites.
Both the Chairman and the Commissioner PPMF commended the Saudi fire service and hotel staff for their bravery and swift response, which played a pivotal role in averting what could have become a national tragedy.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, the incident stands as a sobering reminder of the importance of preparedness and rapid emergency response — especially during a global religious convergence such as the Hajj.
Despite the setback, the spirit of the Nigerian pilgrims remains unshaken as they continue their sacred journey, bolstered by the unwavering support of NAHCON and the grace of divine protection.
PIONEER NEWS 