Tributes continue to flow in the wake of Tuesday’s devastating fire at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which killed at least 10 workers and left a shadow of grief over Nigeria’s corporate community.

Afriland Properties chairman, Tony Elumelu, expressed profound sorrow, calling the blaze a “devastating loss.” In a condolence statement, he said: “Tuesday was a stark reminder of what truly matters: our irreplaceable people.” Elumelu revealed that he had cut short his trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York to return to Lagos in respect of the victims.

United Capital Plc, one of the tenants in the commercial high-rise, confirmed on Thursday that six of its staff members were among the victims. The firm described the deceased as “valued colleagues and cherished members of the United Capital family,” adding that support was being provided to bereaved families. A memorial service will also be held in their honour.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) also confirmed the deaths of four of its employees in the inferno. The victims were identified as Assistant Directors Mrs. Ekelikhostse George and Mr. David Sunday-Jatto, Senior Manager Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe, and Manager Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye.

The FIRS praised the late officials for their “dedication, professionalism, and selfless service,” pledging support to their families while announcing a review of safety protocols across all its offices nationwide.

The fire, which broke out on Tuesday afternoon, gutted parts of Afriland Towers, a landmark building housing several corporate tenants. Emergency responders battled for hours to contain the blaze, though the cause of the incident has not yet been officially disclosed.