A fire broke out on Wednesday at a hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where 480 Nigerian pilgrims were lodged for the ongoing 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, sending panic among residents and staff.
According to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), all pilgrims were safely evacuated, and no lives were lost. The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, but authorities suspect it may have started from an electrical fault on one of the upper floors.
Saudi emergency services responded swiftly, containing the blaze before it could spread to adjacent buildings. Several rooms were damaged, and personal belongings of some pilgrims were lost, but officials say alternative accommodations have already been arranged.
“We thank God there were no casualties. Our priority now is to ensure the comfort and well-being of the affected pilgrims,” said a NAHCON spokesperson.
The Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah and Saudi authorities are conducting a joint investigation into the incident.
