Seven victims have been officially reported dead following a devastating fire that broke out on Tuesday at Afriland Tower in Lagos Island. Emergency responders and bystanders worked swiftly to evacuate occupants and contain the destruction.
The fatalities occurred in various hospitals across Lagos State, where the injured were rushed for urgent medical attention. As the time this report is published, many others are still receiving treatment as medical teams continue their efforts to save lives.
This tragedy unfolded amid two separate fire outbreaks in the Lagos Island Business District on the same day, with the second afflicting Mandilas Market and three nearby plazas, causing property damage.
Videos circulating on social media showed terrified individuals escaping the Afriland Tower by jumping from high floors, while residents used ladders to assist rescue the victims. Some victims suffered injuries before firefighters arrived.
Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Deputy Controller Ogabi Olajide stated that eleven people had been removed from the scene, with five successfully revived. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which occupies offices in the building, sadly confirmed four employee deaths. The affected personnel included Mrs Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).
FIRS in a statement on Wednesday, gave more details about the incident’s impact and extended condolences to the families, while pledging cooperation with investigative agencies to determine the cause of this mayhem.
A Lagos State Government official, who preferred anonymity, corroborated that seven individuals had died in three hospitals, including two facilities on Lagos Island and one in Surulere.
Among those affected were some staff from the UBA branch housed in the building. Although the bank had yet to confirm fatalities publicly, billionaire Tony Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holdings, sent an emotional message to staff, acknowledging the tragic loss and announcing plans for a memorial.
Eyewitness accounts described the initial fire as emerging subtly with thick black smoke near the building’s transformer area before escalating rapidly.
While response times varied, it was reported that UBA’s internal emergency unit arrived first, followed by Lagos State and Federal Fire services approximately 40 minutes later. Some rescued victims were taken to General Hospital Odan, St. Nicholas Hospital, and Avon Hospital.
Despite the tragedy, Dawn Herald gathered that normal business activity resumed on Wednesday under heavy police presence. Afriland Properties Plc confirmed the fire at its headquarters and clarified confusion stemming from misleading viral reports implicating UBA’s main offices.
Later the same day, a separate inferno ravaged parts of Mandilas Market and adjoining plazas, destroying over 1,000 stalls. Witnesses blamed possible electrical faults for the outbreak, lamenting both the fire damage and ensuing looting.
The Lagos Island fires have deeply affected families, businesses, and the community, prompting urgent calls for improved safety measures. Investigations continue as authorities and stakeholders work to prevent a recurrence and support victims’ families.
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