Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA), confirmed that staff of his Heirs Holdings were among those who died in the fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Lagos Island.
The six-storey commercial building, which also houses a UBA branch, was engulfed in flames on Tuesday.
In a message to staff dated Wednesday, September 17, Elumelu described the incident as “devastating” and said he was “shattered” by the loss of 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,” he wrote.
“Yesterday was a stark reminder of what truly matters: our irreplaceable people, those who walk through our doors each day and share our mission,” Elumelu’s message read in part.
He disclosed that he cut short his trip to the United States, where he was scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly, to return to Lagos in respect of the victims. He further directed that a minute of silence be observed across all Heirs Holdings companies on Wednesday.
Elumelu pledged support for the families of the deceased and announced that a memorial service would soon be held in their honour.
He also commended emergency responders, first aid workers, and members of the public for their courage during the tragedy.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS), the fire originated in the inverter room located in the basement of Afriland Towers.
The blaze quickly spread, filling multiple floors with thick smoke and forcing chaotic evacuations.
Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide said the emergency call was received at 1:38 p.m., leading to firefighting teams being deployed from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations. Eyewitnesses described frantic scenes as workers and visitors scrambled to escape smoke-filled offices.
LSFRS confirmed that nine victims were rescued from the building, with five successfully resuscitated by first aid teams. Several others managed to escape unhurt, though officials said efforts were still underway to revive four other individuals.
