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New Revelations: Why Terrified Staff Jumped From Afriland Tower During Fire Outbreak
Fresh revelations have surfaced regarding the devastating fire that swept through Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday, September 16, leaving at least 10 people dead.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Afriland Properties Plc, owners of the seven-storey complex, the tragedy forced several workers to jump from upper floors after thick smoke engulfed the building, cutting off escape routes. The tower hosts key offices, including those of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and United Capital Plc (UCP).
In a statement issued by its Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Chukwunonso Okafor, Afriland revealed that the blaze started in the inverter room in the basement before spreading rapidly.
“The smoke spread swiftly through the building, crippling visibility and blocking access to evacuation routes. Under such desperate conditions, some occupants resorted to exiting through windows,” the company said.
Afriland confirmed the loss of 10 lives, including four FIRS officials — George Faith Ekelikhostse, David Sunday-Jatto, Nkem Onyemelukwe, and Peter Ifaranmaye — and six UCP staff — Jesutoni Shodipo (21), Opeyemi Oloyede (28), Kehinde Adeoye (36), Olumide Oyefodunrin (26), Ndidi Osaemedike-Okeke (41), and Rebecca Adenuga (28). The company stressed that most fatalities were due to smoke inhalation rather than burns.
Fire Alarms & Rescue Efforts
Afriland insisted that its fire alarms and safety systems were functional but admitted not everyone heard them. It dismissed claims of delayed emergency response, noting the fire began around 1:20 p.m. and responders arrived within 20 minutes.
The company maintained that Afriland Towers was built with safety in mind, boasting two emergency staircases, multiple exits, smoke extractors, fire reels, and extinguishers — all in compliance with fire service recommendations. Regular fire drills, it added, were also conducted.
UBA Statement Controversy
Reacting to UBA’s initial disclaimer that its headquarters was unaffected, Afriland suggested the move was meant to prevent emergency services from being misdirected by false early reports.
Building Closure & Staff Support
The tower will remain shut down until a comprehensive safety audit, post-fire cleaning, and system upgrades are completed. Afriland pledged ongoing support for staff, including counselling, medical checks, flexible work plans, and long-term assistance.
It also confirmed that Afriland Towers is insured and that similar reviews would be conducted across its other facilities nationwide.
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