The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has confirmed the safety of its staff and customers following a fire scare on Tuesday at a building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which houses one of its branches.
The incident caused panic in the busy commercial area as smoke billowed from the basement of a six-storey building, prompting an emergency evacuation. Several occupants were seen leaping from windows, with onlookers rushing to assist using ladders and makeshift cushions.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in a statement, said the fire originated in the inverter room located in the basement of Afriland Tower. Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide confirmed that the service received a distress call at 13:38 hours and immediately deployed crews from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu fire stations.
According to Olajide, firefighters arrived promptly and managed to contain the situation, ensuring that the fire did not spread beyond the basement. However, thick smoke had already engulfed several floors, intensifying the evacuation efforts.
In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, UBA addressed the incident and reassured the public.
“We are aware of the fire incident at a building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which incidentally houses one of our many branches.
Contrary to online reports and social media commentary, the affected building is not UBA House on Marina, which is the Bank’s head office.
We have ensured the safety and well-being of all our staff and customers at the affected branch,” the bank said.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as trapped workers smashed windows for ventilation, while concerned bystanders attempted to help those inside. Screams echoed down the street as smoke quickly spread across the upper floors.
Olajide later confirmed that emergency evacuation procedures were successfully completed and that operations had been concluded, bringing the situation under control and alleviating earlier fears.
