Seven Confirmed Dead in Lagos Island Fire Incidents
At least seven people have been confirmed dead following the fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday.
The victims, evacuated from the high-rise building during the inferno, were rushed to hospitals across the state but later died while receiving treatment. Doctors are still battling to save other survivors.
The incident was one of two separate fire outbreaks that rocked the Lagos Island Business District on Tuesday, leaving many injured and property worth millions of naira destroyed. While the first fire occurred at Afriland Towers in Marina, the second gutted parts of Mandilas Market and adjoining plazas on Taiwo Street.
Videos shared on social media showed desperate occupants of Afriland Towers attempting to jump from the upper floors, while others were rescued with ladders by passersby before firefighters arrived. Several sustained injuries in the process.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, 11 victims were evacuated into ambulances, and five were resuscitated.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which occupies two floors of the tower, confirmed the death of four staff members:
- Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director)
- Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director)
- Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager)
- Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager)
In a statement, the agency described the deaths as a “tragic loss” and offered condolences to the families.
An official of the Lagos State Government, who requested anonymity, also confirmed seven casualties across three hospitals—General Hospital, Odan; St. Nicholas Hospital, Campbell Street; and Avon Hospital, Surulere.
Although UBA, which also occupies the tower, has yet to officially confirm staff casualties, Heirs Holdings chairman Tony Elumelu mourned the loss of some colleagues, describing the incident as “devastating.” He disclosed he had cut short his trip to the United States for the UN General Assembly to return to Lagos in solidarity.
When PUNCH Metro visited Afriland Towers on Wednesday, the once-bustling building was under heavy security guard, with only a few staff members allowed entry.
Eyewitnesses said the fire started around 1:45 pm with thick smoke emerging from the building’s lower floors near the transformer area. Some occupants mistook it initially for generator smoke before realising the severity.
Barely hours later, another inferno engulfed Mandilas Market and three nearby plazas—Central Plaza, Yol Plaza, and Obama & AO Building—destroying over 1,000 stalls. Traders lamented their losses as firefighters worked to contain the flames. Witnesses linked the blaze to possible electrical faults.
Looting was also reported as some individuals took advantage of the chaos to burgle shops while the fire raged.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the causes of both incidents, which have once again raised concerns about fire safety standards in Lagos’ high-rise buildings and commercial hubs.
