BREAKING: Afriland Towers Fire Death Toll Climbs to 10 After Six More Victims Identified
According to Punch, at least six more deaths have been confirmed following the tragic fire outbreak at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State. The victims were employees of United Capital, a financial and investment services firm that occupied the third and fourth floors of the building. Their deaths were confirmed on Thursday morning, just hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced that four of its staff also lost their lives in the incident.
The fire, which broke out around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the inverter room located in the basement, quickly spread smoke throughout the tower, forcing occupants into desperate attempts to escape. Witnesses reported that some individuals tried to flee through windows as emergency responders battled the flames.
Officials of the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other emergency agencies rescued at least nine people during the operation. According to a Tuesday statement from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, five victims were successfully revived, while four remained unconscious at the time. In a statement issued Thursday, United Capital confirmed the devastating loss of its staff members.
“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. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void in our company and in our hearts. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we will continue to provide them with all necessary support during this difficult time,” the company said.
The statement further revealed that preparations are underway for a memorial service to honour the deceased. With the confirmation from United Capital, the official death toll from the Afriland Towers fire now stands at 10. However, emergency officials have yet to release a comprehensive casualty report. Eyewitnesses maintain that more victims may still be unaccounted for.
Attempts to reach the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) for further clarification were unsuccessful at press time.
The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for stricter fire safety enforcement in commercial buildings across Lagos.