The death toll from the fire at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has risen to 10 after United Capital Plc confirmed that six of its staff died in the tragedy, according to a PUNCH news report.
The victims, according to the company, were employees working on the third and fourth floors of the commercial building when the fire broke out on Tuesday.
The confirmation comes less than 24 hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service announced it had lost four staff members in the same incident.
United Capital, in a statement released Thursday morning, said: “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.”
The fire, which reportedly started in the inverter room of the building’s basement around 1:30 pm on Tuesday, spread quickly and forced panicked occupants to seek desperate ways to escape. Videos from the scene showed some people attempting to climb out of windows while thick smoke filled the air.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said on Tuesday that nine people were rescued, five revived, and four left unconscious. “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,” the agency said at the time.
