Seven people have been confirmed dead in Tuesday’s devastating fire at Afriland Tower, Lagos Island, with victims including four Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) staff and several employees of United Bank for Africa (UBA).
The fire, which started around 1:45pm, trapped workers on multiple floors, forcing some to jump from windows as thick smoke billowed from the 14-storey building. Eyewitnesses described chaos as residents, traders, and bank workers scrambled for safety.
Emergency response was delayed, witnesses said, as the UBA fire service bus arrived before Lagos State Fire Service. Federal Fire Service joined nearly 40 minutes later. By then, improvised rescues with ladders and soft foams had already saved several victims.
Deputy Controller of Lagos Fire Service, Ogabi Olajide, confirmed 11 persons were evacuated, with five resuscitated. Hospital officials later verified seven casualties at three Lagos hospitals — General Hospital Odan, St. Nicholas Hospital, and Avon Hospital Surulere.
“No words can capture the magnitude of this loss — not for their families, friends, or colleagues. Yesterday was a stark reminder of what truly matters: our irreplaceable people.”
The FIRS confirmed the deaths of four staff: Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).
UBA has yet to issue an official casualty figure, but Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, described the tragedy as “devastating.” In an internal note, he wrote: “No words can capture the magnitude of this loss — not for their families, friends, or colleagues. Yesterday was a stark reminder of what truly matters: our irreplaceable people.” Elumelu cut short a U.S. trip for the UN General Assembly to return to Lagos and announced a memorial for the victims.
The blaze also gutted parts of Mandilas Market and adjoining plazas hours later, destroying over 1,000 stalls and goods worth millions. Afriland Properties Plc confirmed the fire broke out at its headquarters, countering early viral claims that UBA’s head office was affected.
Survivors and traders criticised Nigeria’s emergency readiness. “We brought out three or four people before officials came. Panic from the bank hall worsened everything,” one witness told IDNN.
Despite tragedy, business resumed Wednesday under police patrol, as Lagos reels from yet another reminder of fragile urban fire safety systems.
Byline: IDNN Metro Desk
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