Six employees of United Capital Plc, the financial and investment services firm owned by Mr. Tony Elumelu, have been confirmed dead in the fire that gutted Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island. The company occupies the 3rd and 4th floors of the high-rise.
The confirmation came just hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced that four of its staff also died in the inferno, bringing the confirmed death toll from the tragedy to 10.
The fire reportedly broke out around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the inverter room located in the basement of the building. Thick smoke spread rapidly across the tower, sending panic through occupants, some of whom tried to escape through windows while emergency responders fought to contain the flames.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service had said that nine people were rescued, with five revived and four left unconscious. “Several others escaped unhurt, while efforts are ongoing to revive the remaining four,” the agency said in its update, warning that casualties were possible.
In a statement issued Thursday morning, United Capital Plc confirmed the loss of six 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.
“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 that several occupants were rescued, though the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Eyewitnesses and internal sources insist that “not everyone made it out alive,” raising questions about the adequacy of safety measures in the building.
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 official casualty figures were unsuccessful as of press time.
