In an emotional internal communication to staff yesterday, September 17, Group Chair of Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu, described the incident as a “shattering tragedy” that cut short the lives of “dear colleagues” and left families, friends, and co-workers grappling with immeasurable grief.
“No words can capture the magnitude of this loss—not for their families who loved them, not for the friends who valued them, and not for those of us who worked beside them,” the statement read.
The Group Chair, who was en route to the United States for the UN General Assembly when the news broke, said he had cut short his trip to return to Lagos in honour of the departed staff.
“Yesterday was a stark reminder of what truly matters: our irreplaceable people, those who walk through our doors each day and share our mission,” he added.
The fire, which broke out on September 16, reportedly started from the basement inverter room of the high-rise building and quickly spread, engulfing sections of the tower that houses offices of Heirs Holdings, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and other corporate tenants.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic as workers scrambled for safety. Some jumped from upper floors, while others were rescued with ladders and ropes as thick smoke choked the stairways.
Emergency responders battled to contain the blaze, evacuate trapped occupants, and provide first aid to the injured.
Videos circulating on social media showed desperate employees clinging to ledges, while Lagos State firefighters worked frantically to suppress the flames. Despite their efforts, several lives were lost, prompting an outpouring of grief across the city.
In his message, the Heirs Holdings Chair announced that a minute of silence would be observed across all group companies at noon, WAT on Wednesday in memory of those who died.
He further assured staff that the company would support bereaved families and organise a memorial service in the coming days.
“As we navigate this grief, I urge you all to reach out to those who are receiving care. In the coming days, we will convene colleagues in a memorial to honour the memories of the departed, as we provide support to their families,” the statement said.
He also expressed gratitude to first responders, first aid workers, and members of the public who displayed courage and compassion during the rescue operations.
The Afriland Towers blaze has sparked broader concerns over fire safety in Lagos’ commercial district, which has witnessed a string of tragic incidents in recent years.
Business leaders, civil society groups, and residents have called for stricter enforcement of safety standards in public and private buildings, citing recurring lapses in fire prevention measures.
For Heirs Holdings, the tragedy has become both a personal and institutional wound. The Group Chair closed her message with a solemn vow:
“May this never happen again in our Group. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, attention is turning to how quickly affected businesses can recover and what reforms regulators may institute to prevent future tragedies.
For now, the skyscraper on Broad Street stands as a burnt-out reminder of lives lost, dreams cut short, and the urgent need to prioritise safety above all else.
