Sanwo-Olu Orders Probe As Lagos Tower Inferno Claims 10 Lives

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered a full investigation into the Tuesday fire outbreak at Afriland Towers and Central Plaza on Lagos Island, which has so far claimed at least 10 lives.

The tragedy struck when the fire, which originated from the basement of Afriland Towers where emergency inverter batteries were stored, spread rapidly through the building’s air-conditioning ducts, leaving victims trapped and disoriented by thick smoke.

United Capital Plc yesterday confirmed the deaths of six of its staff members, while the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had earlier announced the loss of four staff members in the inferno.

Announcing the probe at a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the governor’s directive was aimed at addressing the flood of misinformation surrounding the incident. He urged Lagosians to disregard speculations and await the outcome of a formal inquiry.

Omotoso stressed that the state had invested heavily in emergency infrastructure, including the commissioning of 62 fire trucks in one day last year and high-rise ladders capable of reaching over ten floors.

Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, explained that all fatalities were caused by smoke inhalation, not burns. He confirmed that first responders acted promptly and disclosed that over 200 high-rise buildings across the state will undergo fire safety certification in 2025.

Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said firefighters arrived at the scene less than 20 minutes after receiving the distress call, despite challenges of traffic and crowd control. Her counterpart at the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Dr. Wuraola Makinde, said emergency medical teams treated victims free of charge at the Lagos General Hospital. Three survivors have since been discharged.

In a statement, Sanwo-Olu extended condolences to the bereaved families, FIRS, United Capital, and traders who lost goods at Central Plaza.

He said: “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 grieving valued members of their teams. Lagos mourns with you. Together, we will find the strength to move forward. We remain firmly committed to strengthening safety measures and improving emergency response to protect lives and property in our state.”

The governor assured residents that his administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring accountability and strengthening safety standards in high-rise buildings across Lagos.