Chairman of Heirs Holdings and the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of some UBA staff members in the fire incident at Afriland Towers on Lagos Island.

Elumelu, in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, described the past few hours as “tough,” noting that the tragedy claimed the lives of colleagues and others within the building.

“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 further disclosed that the UBA Group paused operations on the day of the incident to honor the memories of the deceased.

“Our Group paused today to reflect and remember all who passed. They are irreplaceable and will remain in our memories always. May their souls rest in perfect peace and may God comfort their loved ones and us all,” Elumelu added.

The Afriland Towers fire, which broke out on Lagos Island, has left several families in mourning, as investigations continue into the cause of the tragic incident.