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Elumelu Cuts UNGA Trip Short as Fire Kills Staff at Afriland Tower in Lagos
Chairman of Afriland Properties Plc, Tony Elumelu, has returned to Lagos from New York after a fire outbreak at the company’s Afriland Tower on Broad Street claimed the lives of several staff members.
Elumelu, who was attending the United Nations General Assembly, described the incident as heartbreaking and a huge loss to the Afriland family.
“I am shattered by yesterday’s devastating incident at Afriland Towers that took the lives of our dear colleagues. 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,” he said in a statement.
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The fire, which began in the building’s inverter room, spread thick smoke across several floors before firefighters brought it under control. Occupants were evacuated as emergency teams worked to restore calm after initial panic in the area.
Elumelu said he decided to abandon his international engagement to stand with his staff and the families of the deceased. He added that a memorial will be held in the coming days to honour the departed, while urging colleagues to support those currently receiving care.
He also praised first responders, first aid workers, and members of the public for their swift intervention during the crisis.
A minute of silence will be observed today across all companies within the Tony Elumelu Group in honour of the victims.
