The toll of the Tuesday fire accident at Afriland Towers in Lagos State has risen to 10. This follows the confirmation by United Capitals Limited to that it lost six of its staff members to the inferno.
Earlier, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had confirmed that it lost four of its senior staff members in the accident.
Confirming the latest victims, United Capitals Limited in a statement shared within Punch newspaper stated:
“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.”
United Capital, a financial and investment services company occupies the 3rd and 4th floors of the eight storey building complex.
It is believed that the true numbers of casualties have not been ascertained yet. The building is located in a densely populated business district of Lagos Island that also hosts thousands of traders.
The fire incident that started around 1.30pm on Tuesday burned for several hours and consumed two adjoining buildings.
Combined officials of both Federal Fire Service and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service battled for hours to put out the inferno.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue service announced that first responders rescued at least nine persons from the building.
According to them, “A total of nine victims have been rescued. Five individuals have been resuscitated. Several others escaped unhurt, while efforts are ongoing to revive the remaining four.”
