Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA) Tony Elumelu has cut short his trip to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly following the fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Lagos Island that claimed the lives of some of his staff.
Mr Elumelu confirmed the deaths in a message to staff dated Wednesday, September 17.
“I learnt of this on my way to the US, en route to New York for UNGA. I have cut short my trip to return to Lagos as a mark of respect for our lost colleagues,” he wrote.
He added, “I am shattered by yesterday’s incident at Afriland Towers that took the lives of our dear colleagues. No words can capture the magnitude of this loss, not for their families who loved them, not for the friends who valued them, and not for those of us who worked beside them. Yesterday was a stark reminder of what truly matters: our irreplaceable people, those who walk through our doors each day and share our mission.”
Tony Elumelu directed that a minute of silence be observed across all Heirs Holdings companies on Wednesday and said a memorial service would be held in the coming days.
He also pledged support for the families of the deceased and thanked emergency responders, first aid workers and members of the public who assisted during the incident.
Afriland Properties Plc, which manages the building, confirmed the fire in a statement on Wednesday.
The company’s head of marketing and corporate communications Chukwunonso Okafor said the blaze started in the inverter room before smoke quickly filled multiple floors, including emergency exits, even as evacuation procedures were underway.
“From the moment the incident was reported, the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire Service and other emergency services were promptly alerted and on the scene to contain the fire and coordinate rescue efforts. Their swift intervention was instrumental in mitigating further damage and managing the situation,” the statement read.
Afriland Properties expressed condolences to the victims’ families, saying, “We are deeply saddened by this incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families and loved ones.”
Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) said nine people were rescued from the building on Tuesday.
Deputy controller general Ogabi Olajide confirmed that five were successfully resuscitated, while efforts were ongoing to revive four others.
Several others escaped unhurt.
Afriland Properties said an investigation into the cause of the fire had begun and that it was working closely with authorities.
It also thanked emergency responders, first aid workers and members of the public for their intervention.
Afriland Towers, located on Broad Street in Lagos Island’s business district, is a six-storey commercial property that houses offices and businesses, including a UBA branch.
