At least six more fatalities have been confirmed following the devastating fire at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial complex on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State.
The latest victims were staff members of United Capital, a financial and investment services company based on the third and fourth floors of the building. Their deaths bring the confirmed toll from the incident to 10, coming just hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service disclosed that four of its personnel also lost their lives in the blaze.
The fire, which reportedly began in the building’s inverter room in the basement around 1:30 pm on Tuesday, sent thick plumes of smoke into the air and caused panic among occupants. Witnesses said some people were seen trying to escape through windows as emergency responders fought to contain the flames.
Rescue teams from the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other agencies managed to pull nine individuals from the burning structure. According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, five of them were successfully revived, while four remained unconscious. The agency had warned at the time that there could be further casualties.
In an exclusive statement to our correspondent on Thursday morning, United Capital confirmed the deaths of six of its employees in the tragedy. “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,” the firm stated.
The company described the deceased as “an integral part of our company and family”, adding that their loss has left “an immeasurable void”. It extended condolences to their families and said plans are underway for a memorial service to honour them. United Capital also expressed gratitude to emergency services for their response and pledged support to the bereaved families.
Although officials have yet to release an official casualty figure, multiple eyewitnesses and internal sources insist that not everyone managed to escape the inferno. Efforts to reach the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
