A fire broke out in a building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday, prompting the evacuation of occupants and sparking concerns over the safety of staff and customers at a United Bank of Africa (UBA) branch housed in the building. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reported that the fire originated in the inverter room located in the basement of the Afriland Tower and was quickly brought under control by firefighters from nearby stations.

According to Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide, the fire service received a call at 13:38 hours and mobilized crews to the scene, preventing the outbreak from escalating beyond smoke-filled floors. The swift response ensured that the situation was contained, and occupants were safely evacuated.

UBA has since confirmed the incident, stressing that its customers and staff members are safe. The bank clarified that the affected building is not its head office, UBA House, Marina, but rather a separate facility that houses one of its many branches. In a statement, the bank assured that the safety and well-being of its staff and customers in the branch had been ensured.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with occupants jumping down from the building in fear and onlookers providing support with ladders and foamy materials. Trapped workers smashed glass windows to breathe, while residents below stretched out their hands to catch them. The incident caused significant disruption, with smoke spreading rapidly through the upper floors and prompting a swift evacuation response.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has concluded its operations, and the situation is now under control. The incident highlights the importance of prompt emergency response and the need for effective safety measures in commercial buildings. The bank’s assurance that its staff and customers are safe will come as a relief to those affected, and the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and emergency preparedness in busy urban areas.