Fire has engulfed one of the hotels accommodating 484 pilgrims from Nigeria in Saudi Arabia.
No pilgrim was inside the hotel when the fire incident as they were all in Munnah performing their hajj rites.
Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director, Information and Publications Division, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed the fire incident in a statement.
According to her, fire engulfed the hotel on Saturday around 12:00 noon Saudi Arabia time.
The affected hotel, Imaratus Sanan, is located on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah.
As at the time of fire incident, the hotel was hosting about 484 pilgrims from six Nigerian Private Tour Operator Companies.
“Thankfully, no lives were lost, and all pilgrims are safely in Mina.
“Immediate emergency response by Saudi authorities and the hotel management helped to contain the fire swiftly and prevent it from spreading all over the building.
“Following the incident, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, alongside Commissioner Policy Personnel Management and Finance, Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazak and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Director Alidu Shutti promptly visited the location to assess the situation and ensure that the welfare of the affected pilgrims is prioritized.
“Expressing concern during the visit, Professor Usman ordered for immediate relocation of the affected pilgrims to a new accommodation.
“He commiserated with the affected pilgrims, assuring that the Commission will provide every possible support within its capacity to cushion the impact of the incident.
“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 Chairman and his team have already inspected the new building and concluded arrangement for the pilgrims’ resettlement.
“The Chairman and Commissioner PPMF appreciated the prompt response of the Saudi emergency services and the cooperation of the hotel staff in managing the situation.
“Further updates will be communicated as necessary,” the statement said.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
