Fire Guts Mecca Hotel Housing Over 480 Nigerian Pilgrim

A fire outbreak on Saturday has ravaged Imaratus Sanan Hotel, which housed over 480 Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The affected pilgrims were in the holy city to perform the 2025 Hajj through private tour operators.

Located in the Sharamansur area of Mecca, the hotel went up in flames while the pilgrims were away participating in the symbolic stoning ritual at Mina — a key rite of the annual pilgrimage. Thankfully, no lives were lost.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed the incident in a statement by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara, expressing deep relief that the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

“Swift intervention by the Saudi fire service and hotel staff prevented the fire from escalating further,” Usara said.

NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Usman, visited the scene shortly after the fire was extinguished. Visibly concerned, he addressed the affected pilgrims, assuring them of continued safety and care.

“Our priority is the safety and comfort of our pilgrims,” he said. “We have arranged immediate relocation to alternative accommodations and will provide every support within our capacity to minimise their distress.”

Usman praised the hotel management and emergency responders for their quick actions, which he said helped avert a tragedy.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be disclosed, but authorities have begun investigations. NAHCON said it would continue to monitor the situation and maintain contact with Saudi authorities.