Tinubu, First Lady mourn victims of Afriland Towers fire, commend emergency responders

By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep condolences to the families of those who perished in the devastating fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which occurred on Tuesday.

The fire tragically claimed ten lives, leaving a community in mourning and highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness and response in Nigeria’s business districts.

In a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, among the victims were staff from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), United Capital, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, and Afriland Properties Limited.

In his message, President Tinubu extended sympathy to the affected families and also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured currently receiving medical attention.

“The President commends the emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, first aiders, medical personnel, and members of the public, for their quick intervention and notes their deep sense of responsibility during the evacuation,” the statement read.

President Tinubu urged heightened caution, training, and alertness to prevent such tragedies in the future, emphasising the need to avert similar emergencies.

In a separate condolence message, First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, expressed solidarity with the people of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the affected corporate organisations.

She said, “May God Almighty comfort the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the departed and the injured at this time of grief and pain. I pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, healing for the injured, courage, and strength for those left behind to bear this irreplaceable loss.”