THE CHAIRMAN of Afriland Properties Plc, Tony Elumelu, on Wednesday, September 16, said he was devastated by the fire incident that claimed the lives of the company’s staff at its Broad Street towers in Lagos State.
Elumelu, in an official letter addressed to staff, said, “No word 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.”
“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 to our lost colleagues. “As we navigate this grief, I urge you all to reach out to those who are receiving care.”
He said there would be a memorial to honour those who died in the disaster, while promising to support their families.
Elumelu also expressed appreciation to firefighters and all those who supported in one way or another, from emergency responders and first aid workers to members of the public who showed courage and compassion.
The ICIR reported that a major fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon at Afriland Tower, Broad Street, Lagos Island. The building housed one of the branches of United Bank for Africa (UBA)
The incident sparked chaos in the area as thick smoke engulfed the high-rise building, forcing some staff to escape through windows.
Videos circulated on social media showed scenes of employees climbing down with the aid of fire service ladders, while others were seen trying to jump from upper floors in panic.
According to Deputy Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Ogabi Olajide, the alarm was raised at 1:38 p.m., with crews from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations responding swiftly to the scene.
The fire was believed to have started in the basement inverter room before spreading to multiple floors.
Some people reportedly died in the inferno.
Harrison Edeh is a journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, always determined to drive advocacy for good governance through holding public officials and businesses accountable.