Seven Confirmed Dead in Lagos Island Afriland Tower Fire

Seven people have been confirmed dead following the fire outbreak at Afriland Tower on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday. The victims reportedly died in different hospitals across the state after being evacuated from the high-rise building.

Newsmen gathered that doctors are still battling to save the lives of other injured victims receiving treatment in various hospitals.

The fire at Afriland Tower was one of two major incidents that shook the Lagos Island Business District on Tuesday. The second inferno gutted Mandilas Market along Taiwo Street, leaving several people injured and destroying goods worth millions of naira.

Eyewitness videos circulating on social media showed frantic scenes at Afriland Tower as people tried to escape the flames. Some victims jumped from the upper floors while others were rescued with ladders before emergency responders arrived.

Deputy Controller of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Ogabi Olajide, confirmed that 11 persons were evacuated, with five successfully resuscitated.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service later confirmed the deaths of four staff members who were working in its offices located on the sixth and seventh floors of the building. They were identified as Mrs Ekelikhostse George, Mr David Sunday-Jatto, Mrs Nkem Onyemelukwe, and Mr Peter Ifaranmaye.

In a statement, the FIRS described the loss as devastating and assured that investigations would be conducted in collaboration with relevant agencies.

Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, parent company of UBA which also occupies part of the tower, mourned the loss of staff members in an internal message to employees. He described the incident as a stark reminder of the value of human life and announced plans for a memorial to honour the deceased.

Officials of the Lagos State Government, who confirmed the seven casualties, said the victims were taken to three hospitals including the General Hospital Odan, St Nicholas Hospital on Campbell Street, and Avon Hospital in Surulere. Four more victims are still receiving treatment.

Hours later, another fire tore through Mandilas Market and adjoining plazas, destroying over 1,000 stalls. Witnesses said the blaze started in an old building before spreading rapidly, with many traders rushing to salvage their goods.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, alongside the Federal Fire Service, eventually contained both fires, though the damage left behind has reignited concerns about safety compliance in high-rise buildings and crowded markets across Lagos.