United Bank for Africa (UBA) has come under criticism for failing to disclose how many of its staff died in the Afriland Towers fire, even as its chairman, Tony Elumelu, admitted that the bank’s initial public statement was poorly handled, Peak Newspaper reports.
In a message posted on X, Elumelu acknowledged that UBA, like other organisations housed in the building, lost employees in the blaze.
“The past few hours have been tough. We and others lost colleagues in the fire at Afriland Towers. As a community, we are grieving for all and doing what we can to support their families and loved ones,” he wrote.
He also distanced himself from the bank’s earlier press release, which merely assured customers of safety at its branch while failing to address staff casualties.
“I also saw the initial statement from the comms team at @UBAGroup, which was put out in haste, without understanding the full gravity of what happened. This is regrettable. The statement does not reflect how deeply saddened we are,” Elumelu added.
UBA’s stance contrasts with other institutions affected by the tragedy. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) confirmed the death of four staff members, while United Capital Plc announced that six of its employees died, bringing the total confirmed toll to at least ten.
Elumelu said the UBA Group “paused today to reflect and remember all who passed,” stressing that the deceased “are irreplaceable and will remain in our memories always.”
He offered prayers for the departed and comfort to their families.
The fire, which broke out on Tuesday, at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, is believed to have started in the building’s inverter room before spreading rapidly.
The incident has raised questions over safety standards in high-rise commercial buildings in Lagos.
