President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep condolences to the families of victims and to the management and staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Bank for Africa (UBA) following the fire outbreak at Afriland Building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday.
Seven victims have been confirmed dead after the fire, which occurred in the high-rise tower. The victims, including four FIRS staff members who occupied the sixth and seventh floors, were rushed to hospitals across the state, where some succumbed to injuries. Doctors are still battling to save the remaining victims.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu commiserated with Afriland Properties Limited, FIRS, and UBA over the loss of lives.
“President Tinubu extends his condolences to the management and staff of Afriland Properties Limited, FIRS, UBA, and particularly to those who lost loved ones in the inferno, and the injured who are currently receiving medical attention,” the statement read.
The President also commended emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, first aiders, medical personnel, and members of the public, for their prompt action.
“The President advises more caution, training, and alertness to avert such emergencies in the future,” the statement added.
“He prays that God Almighty will receive the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to the injured.”
The Afriland fire was one of two separate incidents that rocked the Lagos Island Business District on Tuesday, leaving several others injured and goods worth millions of naira destroyed.