By Patrick Idowu
A fire has gutted the Imaratus Sanan Hotel in the Sharamansur area of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which was housing more than 480 Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj under private tour operators.
The incident occurred on Saturday while the pilgrims were away in Mina for the symbolic stoning ritual, a core component of the Hajj pilgrimage. Thankfully, there were no casualties.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), confirmed the fire and expressed appreciation for the swift intervention of Saudi fire services and hotel staff, whose actions helped contain the blaze and prevent loss of life.
NAHCON Chairman, Abdullahi Usman, visited the scene shortly after the incident to evaluate the damage.
Clearly affected by the destruction, he offered words of encouragement to the displaced pilgrims and praised the efforts of Saudi emergency responders.
“Our priority is the safety and comfort of our pilgrims,” Usman stated. “We have arranged for their immediate relocation to alternative accommodations and will provide all necessary support to reduce their distress.”
Usman also commended the hotel management for cooperating with emergency services and ensuring no one was harmed in the fire.
