A delegation from the Nigerian Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Senator Ali Ndume, visited the site of the recent fire incident that affected Nigerian pilgrims’ accommodation in Makkah’s Shar Mansur area.
The committee, currently on an oversight mission in Saudi Arabia, expressed relief that no lives were lost in the incident.
Senator Ndume stated, “Alhamdulillah, there was no loss of life. NAHCON responded promptly and relocated the affected pilgrims to new accommodation.” He added that the committee’s visit aimed to assess the situation and show solidarity with the victims.
A pilgrim, Suleiman Ali Muhammad, described the incident as heartbreaking but commended NAHCON’s response.
NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, confirmed that six rooms were affected and the fire’s cause is yet to be disclosed.
— Voice of Nigeria (@voiceofnigeria) June 10, 2025
One of the affected pilgrims, Suleiman Ali Muhammad from Borno State, described the experience as “terrible and heartbreaking.” He praised NAHCON’s swift intervention, saying, “The chairman personally addressed us and assured us that everything was under control.”
NAHCON Chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman confirmed that the cause of the fire is yet to be officially communicated by the Saudi authorities. He thanked Allah that no lives were lost, adding that only six rooms were affected, with damage limited to personal belongings.
The Senate Committee’s visit highlights the Nigerian government’s concern for the welfare and safety of its pilgrims during the Hajj exercise.