Afriland Tower Inferno: Tony Elumelu Grieves Over Death

The Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu, Wednesday said he was devastated by the fire incident at the Afriland Tower that claimed the lives of some of his staff at the Broad Street facility in Lagos. 

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.”

Elumelu, who is also the Chairman, United Bank for Africa, UBA Group, said there would be a memorial to honour those who died in the disaster, while promising to support their families.

He 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 major fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon at the Seven-Storey 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.

Unconfirmed number of some people reportedly died in the inferno.