Sanwo-Olu Mourns Victims Of Lagos Tower Fire

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic fire incident that occurred on Tuesday at Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos Island.

He also sympathised with the companies grieving loss of staff members as well as traders affected by a fire outbreak at a plaza in the same Lagos Island.

THE WHISTLER reports that fire engulfed Emab Plaza, a four-storey building located behind Mandilas on Taiwo Street, a few hours after the Afriland Towers incident.

The fire caused extensive damage, destroying goods and properties worth millions of naira, and leaving shop owners and residents in a state of panic

Sanwo-Olu expressed the commitment of the state government to strengthening safety measures and improving emergency response to better protect lives and property in the state.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones, the traders who lost their goods, and to the Federal Inland Revenue Service, United Capital, and other companies who are grieving valued members of their teams and significant loss due to the fire incidents at Afriland Towers and Central Plaza,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

“In this difficult time, Lagos mourns with you, and together we will find the strength to move forward. We remains firmly committed to strengthening safety measures and improving emergency response so that we can better protect lives and property in our State.

“As we grieve, let us also draw strength from one another. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with every family, every colleague, and every trader who is carrying the weight of this loss.”

United Capital Plc confirmed the deaths of six of its employees in the tragic fire, bringing the official death toll from the incident to at least ten.

The financial services firm, which occupies the 3rd and 4th floors of the commercial high-rise, announced the loss in a statement issued Thursday morning.

The announcement came less than 24 hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) confirmed that four of its staff members also died in the fire.

Afriland Properties Plc in a statement on Tuesday regretted the fire incident, saying that investigation has commenced to ascertained the circumstances rounding the fire outbreak.

“From the moment the incident was reported, the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire Service and other emergency services were promptly alerted and on the scene to contain the fire and coordinate rescue efforts. Their swift intervention was instrumental in mitigating further damage and managing the situation.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families and loved ones,” the firm said.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said the fire originated from the inverter room in the basement of the building, which houses offices.

According to the Deputy Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Ogabi Olajide, the incident was reported at 13:38 hours, prompting an immediate response from fire crews stationed at Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu.

Heavy smoke quickly spread across multiple floors of the building, forcing a chaotic evacuation of people within the building.

Sanwo-Olu Mourns Victims Of Lagos Tower Fire is first published on The Whistler Newspaper