Lagos has been shaken by one of its most devastating recent tragedies: a massive fire at Afriland Towers that claimed lives, destroyed property, and left families in anguish. Beyond the physical damage, the disaster has inflicted deep emotional wounds on Nigeria’s corporate and banking community.
Among those most visibly mourning is United Bank for Africa (UBA) Chairman, Tony Elumelu. Taking to his official X account, the billionaire businessman expressed heartfelt grief over the loss of colleagues and others caught in the inferno.
“The past few hours have been tough. We and others lost colleagues in the fire at Afriland Towers. As a community, we are grieving for all and doing what we can to support their families and loved ones.”
His message came after UBA released an initial statement that was criticized as rushed and insensitive. Elumelu later acknowledged the misstep, explaining that the communication was made hastily, without fully grasping the magnitude of events. He stressed that the bank was deeply saddened, adding:
“The loss of a life is painful, all the more so when it is family and friends. We are praying for all the lives lost.”
The Fire and Its Aftermath
The blaze, which tore through the high-rise in central Lagos, spread rapidly, trapping occupants inside. Despite frantic efforts by emergency services, lives were lost, and millions in property went up in flames. Witnesses recalled scenes of chaos — people smashing windows to escape, others crying for help from smoke-filled offices. Videos on social media captured bystanders screaming helplessly as fire consumed entire floors.
The tragedy has sparked urgent conversations about safety standards in Nigeria’s high-rise buildings. Questions are being asked about fire exits, safety drills, and the capacity of firefighting teams in one of Africa’s busiest commercial hubs.
A Community in Mourning
For many, the most painful impact is the human cost. Elumelu’s words carried the weight of personal loss, reminding Nigerians that behind every corporate brand are people with families, dreams, and futures.
“Our Group paused today to reflect and remember all who passed. They are irreplaceable and will remain in our memories always,” he wrote, ending with a solemn prayer: “May their souls rest in perfect peace and may God comfort their loved ones and us all.”
Across UBA branches and other institutions housed in the building, staff held moments of silence, lit candles, and prayed for their colleagues. For families, the tragedy has stolen breadwinners and companions; for survivors, it has left scars and heavy survivor’s guilt.
Messages of condolence have poured in from business leaders, politicians, celebrities, and ordinary Nigerians. Many in the banking community have also pledged support for affected families and vowed to strengthen safety measures in their offices.
Calls for Change
As investigations into the cause continue, Nigerians are demanding accountability and reforms. Was the disaster preventable? Were lapses in safety protocols responsible for the scale of the tragedy? These questions remain, but for now, the focus is on mourning the dead and supporting their families.
Elumelu’s openness has struck a chord. By publicly admitting mistakes, expressing sorrow, and offering prayers, he has shown leadership rooted not just in business, but in empathy. His words have become a rallying point for collective grief.
A Lasting Pain
The Afriland Towers fire is more than an isolated incident; it is a reminder of life’s fragility. Empty chairs in offices, unfinished conversations among friends, and silent homes now stand as painful symbols of what was lost.
Though Lagos will eventually return to its busy rhythm, the grief will remain. Families will face long journeys of healing, and survivors will carry the memory of the flames forever. Yet in the midst of sorrow, Nigerians are finding resilience and resolve — a determination that such a tragedy must never happen again.
As Elumelu said, “They are irreplaceable and will remain in our memories always.” And so, as the nation bows its head, one collective prayer echoes: may their souls rest in perfect peace, and may their loved ones find the strength to endure.
The past few hours have been tough.
— Tony O. Elumelu, CFR (@TonyOElumelu) September 17, 2025
We and others lost colleagues in the fire at Afriland Towers.
As a community, we are grieving for all and doing what we can to support their families and loved ones.
