The death toll from Tuesday’s fire at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial complex on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has climbed to 10.
Six more fatalities were confirmed on Thursday, following the earlier report of four deaths. The latest victims were employees of United Capital Plc, which occupies the third and fourth floors of the building.
Earlier, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced the loss of four staff members, Mrs. Ekelikhostse George, Mr. David Sunday-Jatto, Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe, and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye who were working on the sixth and seventh floors when the tragedy struck.
According to emergency responders, the fire originated in the inverter room in the basement before spreading through the building, engulfing multiple floors and trapping occupants. Several people were rescued, while others escaped unhurt.
President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa have sent condolence messages to the bereaved families, FIRS, and United Capital Plc.
United Capital Plc, in a statement, expressed “profound grief” over the death of its six employees and pledged support for their families. The company is also planning a memorial service to honour them.
FIRS, in its own statement, said it was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the loss, adding that investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, and safety measures across FIRS offices will be reviewed.
As of press time, official confirmation from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) was still awaited.
