JUST IN: HEIRS HOLDINGS CONFIRMS LOSS OF STAFF IN AFRILAND TOWERS FIRE INCIDENT, ELUMELU CUTS SHORT UNGA TRIP

Read Time:2 Minute, 40 Second

Agency report

Heirs Holdings has confirmed that some of its staff members died in the fire that engulfed Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday, describing it as an “irreplaceable loss,”.

The investment company, founded by Tony Elumelu and a sister subsidiary to United Bank for Africa, has interests in real estate, power, hospitality, and financial services.

“I am shattered by yesterday’s devastating incident at Afriland Towers that took the lives of our dear colleagues,” Group Chairperson Tony Elumelu said in a circular to staff on Wednesday.

“No words can capture the magnitude of this loss, not for their families who loved them, not for the friends who valued them, and not for those of us who worked beside them.”

Elumelu said he cut short his trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly to return to Lagos “as a mark of respect to our lost colleagues.”

“As we navigate this grief, I urge you all to reach out to those who are receiving care. In the coming days, we will convene colleagues in a memorial to honor the memories of the departed, as we provide support to their families,” he added.

The group also announced a minute’s silence across all its companies at 12 noon on Wednesday.

Tributes
Although the full casualty figure was not immediately available, friends and relatives mourned colleagues lost in the blaze.

“Lost some of my friends and former colleagues today. My heart is heavy … So so heavy. These are people I sat and worked with. Each call has been ‘ahh, him too?’ Dear Lord, please be a comfort,” an X user, Bleh, wrote.

Another user, Kenny Odunuga, posted, “My sis got home safe, but some of her colleagues did not make it.”

“My best friend Erica barely escaped; I was there to pick her and I can tell you fR people died,” wrote EdokumoS.

Earlier
Afriland Properties, manager of Afriland Towers, had earlier confirmed the blaze. “From the moment the incident was reported, the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire Service and other emergency services were promptly alerted and on the scene to contain the fire and coordinate rescue efforts. Their swift intervention was instrumental in mitigating further damage and managing the situation,” the company said.

It added, “We are deeply saddened by this incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families and loved ones.”

According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the fire started in the basement inverter room before smoke spread through several floors. “A total of nine victims have been rescued. Five individuals have been successfully resuscitated,” Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide said on Tuesday.

“Several others escaped unhurt, while efforts are currently ongoing to resuscitate the remaining four individuals.”

Videos shared online showed occupants smashing windows for air, with some jumping onto foamy materials placed below, while others clung to ledges until ladders were deployed.

By late afternoon, firefighters said the blaze had been contained, though safety checks on the building continued into the evening.

Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial property on Lagos Island, houses offices and businesses in one of the city’s busiest districts.