Lagos Afriland Towers Fire: Death Toll Rises to 10 as Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Obasa, Obi, Others Condole

The death toll from the inferno that razed Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has climbed to 10. Six additional victims were confirmed dead on Wednesday, following the initial four fatalities recorded on the day of the incident.

President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, were among those who condoled with the families of the victims and the affected organisations, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), United Bank for Africa (UBA), and United Capital Plc.

United Capital, FIRS confirm staff deaths
The latest six casualties were staff of United Capital Plc, which occupied the third and fourth floors of the building. Confirming the development, United Capital Plc said in a statement:

“It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones… We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity.”

Similarly, the FIRS confirmed the deaths of four of its staff, including two assistant directors, a senior manager, and a manager. One of them, David Sunday-Jatto, reportedly died while preparing to hand over to a successor after being redeployed.

Fire service confirms cause, casualties
Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed in a statement that “10 adults, male and female, were confirmed dead” after further investigations.

Emergency officials revealed that the blaze originated from an inverter room in the basement, with smoke spreading rapidly across multiple floors and trapping occupants.

Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Obi, others react
In his condolence message, President Tinubu urged stricter safety measures:

“I extend my condolences to the management and staff of Afriland Properties Limited, the FIRS, UBA, and particularly those who lost loved ones in the inferno. I commend emergency responders for their quick intervention and pray for the souls of the departed.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the incident as “unfortunate,” saying:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and organisations that lost their loved ones. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

Labour Party’s Peter Obi also expressed his grief:

“It is deeply heartbreaking that valued lives and livelihoods were lost in this devastating incident. I extend my heartfelt prayers to all the families and businesses affected.”

NLC calls for probe
Reacting, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) demanded a thorough investigation into the Lagos fire incidents and called for compensation to victims’ families.

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