A significant fire broke out on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Afriland Tower, a six-storey building located on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which houses a branch of United Bank for Africa (UBA). The blaze reportedly originated from the basement inverter room and rapidly spread, engulfing multiple floors of the building.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) received the distress call at 1:38 PM and swiftly deployed fire crews from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations to the scene. Upon arrival, emergency responders observed thick smoke emanating from the building, prompting immediate evacuation efforts. Videos circulating on social media depicted UBA staff and other occupants attempting to escape through windows, with some reportedly jumping to safety
Casualties and Emergency Response
According to Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide of the LSFRS, nine individuals were rescued from the building, with five requiring resuscitation. While several others managed to evacuate unscathed, four individuals remained under medical care as of the latest reports
UBA's Official Statement
UBA Plc has issued a statement clarifying that the affected building is not its head office, UBA House on Marina, but a branch located within Afriland Tower. The bank confirmed that all staff, customers, and visitors in the branch were safely evacuated and assured that there were no casualties among its personnel
Ongoing Investigations
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Emergency services continue to assess the damage and ensure the safety of the surrounding area. Traffic disruptions were reported as sections of Broad Street were cordoned off to facilitate firefighting and rescue operations.
This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols and regular maintenance checks in high-rise buildings to prevent such emergencies