A tragic fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has claimed at least 10 lives, leaving families, businesses, and the city’s corporate community in deep mourning.
Afriland Properties, owners of the high-rise, confirmed on Wednesday that the blaze began in the building’s Power Inverter Room before spreading quickly through several floors.
In a statement signed by Chukwunonso Okafor, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication, the company expressed regret over the incident, noting that emergency services were promptly alerted.
“From the moment the incident was reported, the Federal Fire Service, the Lagos State Fire and Safety Service and other emergency agencies were on site to contain the fire and coordinate rescue efforts. The swift intervention was instrumental in mitigating further damage,” the statement read.
Afriland Properties added that investigations are ongoing but initial reports show smoke travelled rapidly through the building, including emergency exits, despite adherence to safety protocols during evacuation.
The company extended condolences to the bereaved, praising emergency responders, first aid workers, and members of the public who assisted during the crisis.
FIRS Confirms Four Staff Dead
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced the loss of four senior staff members who worked in its Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office located inside the building.
In its statement, FIRS described the deaths as a devastating blow to the organisation:
“The entire FIRS community has been thrown into mourning. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleagues in this unfortunate incident.”
United Capital Loses Six Employees
Also affected was United Capital Plc, which confirmed that six of its staff members died in the fire. In an emotional statement shared on Instagram, the firm described the deceased as an “integral part of our company and family” and announced plans for a memorial service.
“Our departed colleagues leave behind an immeasurable void. We stand together in solidarity, holding their families and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this period of untold grief,” the statement read.
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Elumelu Cuts UNGA Trip Short
UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu also reacted to the tragedy, describing it as both a corporate and personal loss.
Elumelu said he was on his way to New York for the UN General Assembly when he received the news but immediately cut his trip short to return to Lagos.
“I am shattered by yesterday’s devastating incident at Afriland Towers. No words can capture the magnitude of this loss — not for the families who loved them, not for the friends who valued them, and not for those of us who worked beside them,” he said.
He admitted that UBA’s initial response to the crisis fell short, saying it had been issued “in haste, without understanding the full gravity of what happened.”
The death toll now stands at 10, with investigations underway to determine the exact cause of the blaze and assess safety lapses.