The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has assured customers and the public that its head office on Marina, Lagos, was not affected by Tuesday’s fire outbreak at Afriland Tower on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
The six-storey building, which houses one of UBA’s branches, caught fire in the afternoon, sparking panic among workers and passersby. Social media posts had wrongly suggested that the bank’s headquarters was involved.
In a statement on Tuesday night, UBA said: “We are aware of the fire incident at a building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which incidentally houses one of our many branches. As against reports on online and social media, the affected building is not the UBA House, Marina, the bank’s head office. We have ensured the safety and well-being of our staff and customers in the branch.”
The bank added that there were no casualties and urged the public to rely on its official communication channels for further updates.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Fire Service confirmed that nine people were rescued from the inferno.
Ogabi Olajide, deputy controller-general of the service, said five victims were successfully resuscitated while others escaped without injury.
“A total of nine victims have been rescued, with five individuals successfully resuscitated. Several others escaped unhurt while efforts are currently ongoing to resuscitate the remaining four individuals,” Olajide said.
He disclosed that the fire was reported at 1:38 p.m. and was traced to an inverter room in the basement of the building, with smoke spreading across several floors.
Fire crews from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations were deployed to the scene.
Videos shared online showed smoke billowing from upper floors while some occupants jumped from windows to escape, assisted by bystanders who placed ladders and cushioning materials below the structure.
