Nigerian Pilgrims Safe As Fire Guts Saudi Hotel

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) yesterday confirmed the safety of all 480 Nigerian pilgrims accommodated at the burnt Imaratus Sanan Hotel in the Sharamansur area of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, saying they were all accounted for.

A statement signed by NAHCON’s assistant director, information and publications division, Fatima Sanda Usara, for the chairman/CEO said immediate emergency response by Saudi authorities and the hotel management helped to swiftly contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.

The statement said, “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that all 484 Nigerian pilgrims affected by a fire incident at their hotel on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah are safe and accounted for.”

NAHCON’s Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Usman, accompanied by the commissioner of policy, personnel management and finance, Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazak and deputy Makkah coordinator,  Alidu Shutti were reported to have visited the scene to assess the situation.

The chairman ordered immediate relocation of the affected pilgrims to another accommodation and commiserated with the affected pilgrims, assuring that the commission would provide every possible support to cushion the effect of the incident.

He expressed gratitude to God for the safety of the pilgrims.

“The chairman thanked Almighty Allah that no life was lost in this unfortunate incident, promising that NAHCON will work with the affected tour operators to ensure that pilgrims are relocated and provided with the necessary assistance,” the statement said.

NAHCON acknowledged the prompt action of the Saudi emergency services and cooperation of the hotel staff in managing the situation, promising that further updates on the incident would be made available by the commission when necessary.