480 Nigerian Hajj pilgrims escaped death in a devastating hotel fire that destroyed properties. They were performing a symbolic religious ritual when the incident occurred.
The blaze, which broke out on Saturday 7th June 2025, caused extensive damage to sections of the building.
Many muslims across the globe are joyous and give thanks after the fire at Imaratus Sanan Hotel in the Sharamansur area of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Fire outbreak at hotel hosting 480 Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca who were participating in the 2025 Hajj through private tour operators.
Fortunately, no lives were lost, as the pilgrims were away in Mina at the time, observing the symbolic stoning ritual—an essential rite of the Hajj pilgrimage.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), confirmed the incident and expressed gratitude for the swift response of Saudi fire services and hotel staff, whose efforts helped contain the blaze and prevent any casualties.
NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Usman promptly visited the site to assess the extent of the damage.
Visibly shaken by the destruction, Usman offered comfort to the affected pilgrims and praised the prompt intervention of local authorities.
“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 also commended the Saudi fire service and the hotel management for their quick response to the incident.
No fewer than two Nigerian pilgrims participating in the ongoing 2025 Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, have been confirmed dead.
The deceased include a 75-year-old woman from Edo State, Adizatu Dazumi, and a prominent Abia State businessman, Alhaji Saleh Galeh, who was also the Chairman of the Lokpanta Cattle Market.
Both Galeh and the Edo pilgrim reportedly died in separate incidents on Monday.
Described as a respected community leader and businessman, the news of Saleh’s death shocked many in his Muslim community and among fellow Nigerian pilgrims.
“He answered the call of Allah peacefully while performing the sacred pilgrimage,” a source familiar with the incident was quoted as saying.
Funeral prayers (Salatul Janaza) for the late Galeh are scheduled to be held on Tuesday, (yesterday) at the Haram Mosque in Makkah during the Zuhr (afternoon) prayer.
Muslim organisations, including the Islamic Calling Family in Imo State, offered condolences.
The organisation noted that the Muslim community, in collaboration with the National Hajj Commission and the Abia State contingent, was working to ensure a proper and dignified burial for the deceased.
“One of the Abia State pilgrims has just answered the call of Allah. The Chairman of Lokpanta Cattle Market, Abia State, Saleh Galeh, passed last night, (Monday), here in Makkah.
“Abia State pilgrims are arranging for his Janaza now so that his Salatul Janaza will be observed in Haram during Zuhur prayer on Tuesday.
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and accept him in Jannatul Firdaus,” the ICF wrote in a condolence message shared on its official Facebook page on Tuesday.
In a separate incident, Adizatu Dazumi, a 75-year-old pilgrim from Jattu Uzairue in the Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, died on Monday after a brief illness.
Dazumi fell ill shortly after performing the Tawaaf (the ritual circumambulation of the Kaaba) and was taken to the King Fahad General Hospital in Makkah on Sunday. She passed away the following day.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Musah Uduimoh, stated, “She was buried in Makkah on the same day, according to Islamic tradition, and her family in Jattu Uzairue has been informed.”
Uduimoh expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured other pilgrims that the board was committed to their welfare and safety throughout the pilgrimage.
