New information has come to light regarding the September 16 fire incident at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which claimed at least 10 lives. Afriland Properties Plc, the building’s owners, has provided insight into why some workers jumped from the seven-story building.

Cause of the Fire and Casualties
According to Afriland Properties Plc, the fire started in the inverter room in the basement before spreading rapidly, engulfing the building in thick smoke. The company stated that the primary cause of casualties was smoke inhalation, not the fire itself. The smoke spread quickly, severely compromising visibility and restricting access to designated evacuation routes, forcing desperate staff to leap from upper floors.¹ ²

Building Safety Features and Emergency Response
Afriland Towers is equipped with fire safety features, including smoke extractors, fire reels, and extinguishers, complying with federal and state fire service recommendations. The building has documented safety procedures, regular drills, and standard fire evacuation plans. Fire alarms were triggered during the incident, but some occupants didn’t hear them. The company claims the building’s design includes two dedicated emergency staircases and multiple exit points on the ground floor.

Victims and Support
The victims included staff members from United Capital Plc and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). United Capital lost six employees, while FIRS lost four staff members:
– Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director)
– David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director)
– Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager)
– Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager)

Afriland Properties Plc has pledged to provide support to the affected families and staff members, including counseling, medical checks, flexible work arrangements, and long-term support measures.

Building Closure and Safety Audit
The building will remain closed until thorough safety audits, deep post-fire cleaning, system upgrades, and necessary reconstruction are completed. Afriland Properties Plc has assured that staff welfare and confidence remain paramount, and alternative arrangements will continue until the building is certified completely safe.

Government Response
President Bola Tinubu has expressed grief and commiserated with the families of the victims, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, United Capital, and the United Bank of Africa (UBA) Plc. He commended the emergency responders for their quick intervention and noted their deep sense of responsibility during the evacuation.

“The smoke spread rapidly throughout the building, severely compromising visibility and restricting access to designated evacuation routes. Under these challenging conditions, some occupants resorted to exiting through the windows in their efforts to reach safety,” the company explained.

The management confirmed that 10 people lost their lives in the tragedy, including staff of UCP and FIRS.

“Sadly, we recorded 10 fatalities, including members of United Capital Plc and the Federal Inland Revenue Service. We extend our deepest condolences to their families and are working closely with the affected organisations to ensure that the bereaved are supported with compassion and practical assistance,” Afriland said.

Four FIRS staff were identified as George Faith Ekelikhostse, David Sunday-Jatto, Nkem Onyemelukwe, and Peter Ifaranmaye.

Saturday PUNCH also confirmed the names of six UCP workers who died: Jesutoni Shodipo (21), Opeyemi Oloyede (28), Kehinde Adeoye (36), Olumide Oyefodunrin (26), Ndidi Osaemedike-Okeke (41), and Rebecca Adenuga (28).

The company added that the primary cause of casualties was smoke inhalation, not the fire itself.

Fire Alarms and Response Time

Addressing safety concerns, Afriland stated that fire alarms and emergency systems were operational, although not all occupants had heard them.

“The building is equipped with fire alarms and safety systems. The alarms were triggered and though some occupants indicated they heard them, some others didn’t. This is being investigated. However, alarms are installed on all floors,” the statement read.

It also dismissed claims that emergency services delayed their response.

“The fire started around 1:20 p.m. The on-site fire champions activated the fire protocol while the first responders came in about 20 minutes later. We remain grateful for their efforts, and for the support of well-meaning Nigerians who helped bring the situation under control,” Afriland noted.

It insisted that the building was designed with safety in mind.

“The building is designed with two dedicated emergency staircases providing access from all floors, as well as multiple exit points on the ground floor. Afriland Towers is also equipped with fire safety features, including smoke extractors, fire reels, and extinguishers, all in compliance with recommendations from both the Federal and State Fire Services,” Afriland said.

The firm added that fire drills were carried out regularly under fire service supervision and that each floor had a designated warden trained annually.

Response to UBA’s Statement

Afriland also addressed the controversy surrounding UBA’s initial statement that suggested its headquarters were not affected.

“We believe that the initial statement was intended to prevent emergency services from being misdirected, as early reports mistakenly suggested that the UBA head office was on fire. We also acknowledge their subsequent clarifications and their expressions of sympathy,” the statement said.

Tower Remains Shut Pending Safety Audit

The company said the building would remain closed until safety was fully restored.

“The building will remain closed until it undergoes thorough safety audits, deep post-fire cleaning, system upgrades, and any necessary reconstruction. Additional measures will also be implemented to restore the environment and ensure it is fully habitable. Staff welfare and confidence remain paramount, and alternative arrangements will continue until the building has been certified completely safe by the relevant authorities,” it assured.

Afriland stressed that staff welfare is its highest priority. It said counselling, medical checks, flexible work arrangements, and long-term support measures were being offered to grieving and traumatised employees.

The company further pledged a comprehensive review of all its facilities nationwide, noting that Afriland Towers is insured.