A fire outbreak at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel in the Sharamansur area of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where over 480 Nigerian pilgrims were lodged for the 2025 Hajj, caused a major scare on Saturday.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), confirmed that all 484 Nigerian pilgrims who were implicated in the incident were fully accounted for after the tragic accident.

NAHCON revealed that when the incident occurred, most pilgrims were in Mina performing the symbolic devil stoning.

In a statement issued by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publications for the NAHCON Chairman/CEO, she said that swift emergency response by Saudi authorities and hotel management helped contain the fire and prevent it from spreading throughout the building.

Following the incident, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman, along with key officials, visited the site to assess the damage and ensure that affected pilgrims were relocated immediately to safer accommodations. Inspections of the new lodging have since been completed, and relocation is already underway.

Professor Abdullahi expressed his sympathy to the pilgrims and assured them that the Commission, in collaboration with affected tour operators, will provide necessary assistance.

He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the safety of all pilgrims and commended the rapid intervention of Saudi emergency services and hotel staff.