Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed deep sorrow over the lives lost and properties destroyed in the fire that engulfed Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday.

The governor described the tragedy as “unfortunate and shocking,” noting that the incident left families, institutions and businesses devastated. Among the casualties were four staff members of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and six employees of United Capital PLC, a financial and investment services firm.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu said the Lagos State Government shares in the grief of affected families, organisations and traders. “It is with a heavy heart that I received news of the fire outbreak. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the management and staff of all the organisations that lost their loved ones. I wish the injured persons a speedy recovery,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu extended his condolences to traders at the Central Plaza, near Mandilas Market, who lost goods worth millions of naira in the inferno. He promised government support to cushion the impact and reiterated his administration’s resolve to strengthen safety standards across the state.

The governor commended the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), the Federal Fire Service and other first responders for their swift action in containing the blaze and preventing further casualties.

Sanwo-Olu assured residents that the state government will intensify collaboration with relevant agencies to improve disaster prevention, emergency response, and enforcement of safety protocols in public and private facilities.

The Afriland Towers fire comes just months after other high-profile fire incidents in Lagos markets, reinforcing concerns about urban safety and the urgent need for proactive fire prevention measures.