Six employees of United Capital Plc, a financial and investment services firm owned by Mr. Tony Elumelu, have been confirmed dead following the fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
United Capital Plc occupies the 3rd and 4th floors of the building.
This confirmation comes just hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced that four of its staff also died in the incident on Wednesday evening.
The fire, which reportedly started in the inverter room in the basement around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, sent thick smoke billowing across the island and sparked panic. Some occupants were seen attempting to escape through windows as emergency responders battled the flames.
Officials of the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other first responders rescued at least nine persons from the tower. Five were revived, while four remained unconscious.
“A total of nine victims have been rescued. Five individuals have been resuscitated. Several others escaped unhurt, while efforts are ongoing to revive the remaining four,” the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement on Tuesday, raising concerns about possible casualties.
In a statement on Thursday morning, United Capital confirmed it lost six members of staff to the tragedy. This brings the confirmed death toll from the Afriland Towers fire to 10.
“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 and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers, as well as provide all the support we can to them during this most difficult time.
“We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity. We thank the emergency services and all those who responded for their valiant assistance at the time of the incident.
“In this moment of untold grief, we stand together in solidarity, drawing strength from one another as we navigate this period. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” the company said.
Emergency officials had earlier confirmed rescuing several occupants after the blaze, believed to have been triggered by an inverter explosion. While authorities have yet to release an official casualty figure, eyewitnesses and internal company sources insist that “not everyone made it out alive.”
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 confirmation were unsuccessful as of press time.
