Thursday, September 18, 2025 - At least five people have been confirmed dead in the fire at Afriland Towers, with one person rescued from the Mandilas incident.
It was gathered that the fire broke out at Central Plaza,
near Mandilas Market on Lagos Island, just hours after another fire was
reported at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, raising serious concerns about
back-to-back fire outbreaks in the area.
According to eyewitness accounts, the inferno at the
multi-story Central Plaza began around 7:40 p.m. and destroyed many shops
housing luxury goods.
Some reports, however, suggest that the fire may have
started at Emab Plaza, a four-story commercial building located directly behind
Mandilas on Taiwo Street, with initial reports placing the outbreak at about
7:23 p.m.
Traders were seen trying to salvage their goods, as the cause of the fire is currently unknown.
A trader, Emmanuel Ode, expressed worries about the timing of the tragedy.
“Typically, fire outbreaks in Lagos are more common during
the dry season, yet this occurred in the middle of the rainy season.
“This unusual development has raised questions about what
could have triggered the blaze, which has left millions of naira worth of goods
and properties destroyed, and countless businesses in ruins.”
Acting Head of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),
Lagos Operations Office, Ibitayo Adenike, confirmed that one person was rescued
with injuries and taken to the hospital.
She emphasised that the rescue operation is ongoing with
support from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Nigeria
Police Force, State and Federal Services, and UBA fire services.
Meanwhile, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group and the
Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) have expressed deep grief over the loss
of staff members in Tuesday’s fire incident at Afriland Towers, Lagos.
UBA Chairman, Tony Elumelu, in an emotional statement,
confirmed that the bank lost colleagues in the tragedy, which also claimed four
FIRS officials.
“The past few hours have been tough. We and others lost
colleagues in the fire at Afriland Towers. As a community, we are grieving for
all and doing what we can to support their families and loved ones,” he said.
He admitted that an earlier statement by the bank’s
communication team “was put out in haste, without understanding the full
gravity of what happened,” stressing that the loss of lives was painful and
personal.
“Our Group paused today to reflect and remember all who
passed. They are irreplaceable and will always remain in our memories. May
their souls rest in perfect peace and may God comfort their loved ones and us
all,” Elumelu added.
Similarly, the FIRS confirmed the death of four of its staff
members who were working on the sixth and seventh floors of the tower when the
fire broke out.
Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, Dare
Adekanmbi, identified the deceased as Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director),
David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and
Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).
“The Management and entire staff are in deep shock and
sorrow over the development. They offer their condolences to the grieving
families and are in touch with the families of our departed colleagues whose
commitment to excellence, dedication and professionalism were never in doubt.
We will provide all the necessary support at this trying time,” Adekanmbi said.
He added that FIRS was working with relevant agencies in
Lagos to investigate the cause of the fire, while also reviewing safety
measures across its offices nationwide.
The incident, which started around 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday,
also affected other businesses housed in Afriland Towers, including Heirs,
Avon, and Afriland itself. Investigations into the cause of the fire are
ongoing.
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