“May Their Souls Rest in Perfect Peace” — Tony Elumelu Mourns Victims of the Afriland Towers Fire

In what has been described as one of the most devastating incidents to shake Lagos in recent times, tragedy struck at Afriland Towers as a massive fire claimed lives and left families shattered. The incident has not only caused physical destruction but also emotional scars that will take years to heal. The painful news has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s corporate and banking community, with United Bank for Africa (UBA) Chairman, Tony Elumelu, emerging as one of the most prominent voices to publicly express deep sorrow over the loss. Taking to his official X account, the billionaire businessman shared heartfelt words that captured the grief of many. “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 in an emotional statement.

His message came after UBA initially released a statement that was perceived as rushed and somewhat insensitive, a move that Elumelu himself admitted was regrettable. He clarified that the first communication put out by the bank’s team was done in haste and without full understanding of the gravity of what had transpired. In his words, “The statement does not reflect how deeply saddened we are. The loss of a life is painful, all the more so when it is family and friends. We are praying for all the lives lost.” These words underscored the human impact of the disaster, beyond the institutional or corporate response.

The fire, which broke out at Afriland Towers in the heart of Lagos, reportedly spread quickly, leaving several occupants trapped inside. Emergency response teams battled tirelessly to contain the blaze, but despite their efforts, lives were lost and properties worth millions were destroyed. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as people tried to escape the inferno, some breaking windows to leap out of the building, while others cried out for help from smoke-filled offices. Videos circulating on social media captured the horrifying moments when bystanders screamed in despair, helplessly watching the flames engulf floors of the building.

For many, the tragedy has opened conversations about safety standards in high-rise buildings in Nigeria. Questions are being raised about the adequacy of fire safety measures, emergency exits, and disaster preparedness in corporate towers that house hundreds of workers daily. It has also reignited debates on the state of firefighting equipment and the speed of emergency response in one of Africa’s busiest commercial cities. Yet, in the midst of these questions, what stands out most is the profound grief over lives cut short in their prime.

Tony Elumelu’s words resonated deeply because they carried the weight of personal loss. As Chairman of UBA, one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, he is more than just a corporate leader; he is a figurehead of a community that views its workers as family. “Our Group paused today to reflect and remember all who passed. They are irreplaceable and will remain in our memories always,” he wrote, a reminder that behind every corporate brand are people with stories, dreams, and loved ones. He ended his note with a solemn prayer: “May their souls rest in perfect peace and may God comfort their loved ones and us all.”

The fire at Afriland Towers has since become a symbol of collective grief for Nigeria’s business world. Staff across UBA offices, as well as employees of other institutions housed in the building, have been mourning their colleagues. Moments of silence were observed, prayers were said, and candles were lit in memory of the departed. The tragedy has not only robbed families of breadwinners and friends of companions but has also shaken confidence in workplace safety. For those who narrowly escaped, survivor’s guilt weighs heavy as they recount the terror of the flames and the haunting cries of those who didn’t make it out alive.

Messages of condolence have poured in from across the country and beyond. Business leaders, politicians, celebrities, and ordinary Nigerians have taken to social media to express their heartbreak and to stand in solidarity with the victims’ families. The banking community in particular has shown unity, with many institutions pledging support for the affected families. Some have also hinted at plans to strengthen fire safety measures in their buildings, spurred by the painful lessons of the Afriland Towers inferno.

As investigations continue into the exact cause of the fire, there are already calls for accountability and preventive reforms. Nigerians want to know whether the tragedy was avoidable, and whether lapses in safety protocols played a role in the scale of the disaster. These questions are crucial, but for now, the focus remains on grieving, honoring the memories of those lost, and offering comfort to their loved ones.

For Tony Elumelu, this moment reflects not just leadership in business but also leadership in empathy. His public acknowledgment of the loss, his correction of UBA’s earlier misstep, and his heartfelt message have shown Nigerians a side of him that is deeply human. In times of crisis, it is often the raw expression of grief that unites people, and Elumelu’s words have become a rallying point for a nation in mourning. His post has been widely shared, quoted, and referenced, with many Nigerians commending him for putting humanity before corporate image.

The pain of the Afriland Towers fire will linger long after the smoke clears. Families will face the long journey of healing, adjusting to life without their loved ones, and finding strength in memories. Colleagues will walk into offices with empty chairs and the silence of absence. Friends will gather and remember conversations left unfinished, plans left unrealized, and laughter now silenced forever. These are the real costs of the tragedy — not just in numbers or statistics but in the irreplaceable human bonds severed by fire.

As Lagos grapples with the aftermath, one thing remains clear: the resilience of Nigerians will shine through. Out of grief often comes resolve, and already there are voices calling for change to prevent a repeat of such a calamity. If there is any consolation to be drawn, it is that the memory of those lost may inspire reforms that safeguard the living. Yet, no reform can bring them back. They will live on in the hearts of those who knew them, in the tears shed by colleagues, and in the prayers whispered by strangers moved by their story.

The Afriland Towers fire has reminded everyone of the fragility of life and the need to cherish each moment. In the words of Tony Elumelu, “They are irreplaceable and will remain in our memories always.” And indeed, as Nigerians continue to mourn, the victims will not be forgotten. They will be remembered as more than statistics, more than victims — they were colleagues, family, and friends whose lives mattered.

As the city returns to its bustling rhythm, the memory of the flames and the grief they left behind will linger. Candles may burn out, and headlines may fade, but for those who lost someone, the world will never be the same. And so, as the nation bows its head in mourning, the collective prayer remains: may their souls rest in perfect peace, and may their loved ones find strength to endure this painful loss.