A section of Afriland Towers, a high-rise office complex on Marina, Lagos Island, went up in flames on Monday, sending shockwaves through the bustling commercial district.
The building houses several companies, including a branch of the United Bank for Africa.
Videos circulating on social media captured the dramatic scene, with thick plumes of smoke pouring out of the structure.
In one clip, frantic occupants were seen attempting to leap from the upper floors, while others were rescued with the help of ladders provided by bystanders.
A large crowd gathered outside the tower, heightening the chaos.
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said it received the emergency call at 1:38 p.m.
Fire crews from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations were deployed to contain the outbreak.
According to Deputy Controller General of the agency, Ogabi Olajide, the blaze started in the inverter room in the basement before spreading quickly to other parts of the six-storey building.
“Occupants have been evacuated, and firefighting operations have successfully quelled the fire, easing the panic that gripped the area before our arrival,” Olajide said in a statement.
Authorities confirmed that no casualties had been reported at the time of filing this report, while investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the damage and the cause of the outbreak.
