A delegation from the Nigerian Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Senator Ali Ndume, has visited the Nigerian pilgrims’ accommodation in Makkah that was recently affected by a fire incident.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Ndume expressed relief that no lives were lost in the fire, which affected a building housing Nigerian pilgrims in the Shar Mansur area.
“Alhamdulillah, there was no loss of life. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) responded promptly and relocated the affected pilgrims to a new accommodation,” Senator Ndume said. “Although the full assessment of the incident is still ongoing, what matters most is that everyone is safe.”
He noted that the Committee, which is currently on an oversight mission in Saudi Arabia, felt it was important to physically assess the situation and show solidarity with the victims.
“We had wanted to visit earlier, but considering the return of pilgrims from Mina, we felt it was better to wait a little. We will also meet the victims to sympathize with them. It is important, as Muslims, to show concern and offer support when such incidents happen,” he added.
One of the affected pilgrims, Suleiman Ali Muhammad from Borno State, recounted the experience. “It was terrible and heartbreaking. We were in Mina when we got the information that our hotel was on fire. It was a distressing moment,” he said. “Thankfully, we later received photos and updates via social media and from our agents, which brought some relief.”
He also praised NAHCON’s swift intervention: “The Chairman of NAHCON personally addressed us and assured us that everything was under control. Within a short time, we were moved to another good accommodation. We truly appreciate their efforts.”
Also speaking during the visit, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, confirmed that the cause of the fire has not yet been officially communicated to the Commission by the relevant Saudi authorities.
“We thank Allah that at the time of the incident, most of the pilgrims were in Mina. Only two elderly women, who were unable to travel due to health issues, were in the building, and they were unharmed,” Professor Usman said.
According to him, only six rooms were affected in the incident, with damage limited to a few personal belongings such as bags.
“When I heard the news, I rushed to the scene to assess the situation. Alhamdulillah, no lives were lost,” he said.
The visit by the Senate Committee underscores the Nigerian government’s concern for the welfare and safety of its pilgrims during the Hajj exercise.