United Bank for Africa (UBA) has assured that its staff and customers are safe following the fire outbreak on Tuesday at Afriland Tower, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island.

The bank explained that while the building houses one of its branches, its corporate headquarters—UBA House on Marina—was not affected, contrary to earlier reports circulating online.

“We are aware of the fire incident at a building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which incidentally houses one of our many branches. As against reports online and social media, the affected building is not the UBA House, Marina, the Bank’s head office,” the bank stated.

The fire, which reportedly began in the inverter room in the basement around 1:30 p.m., sent thick smoke into the air and triggered panic among occupants. Some individuals were seen trying to escape through windows as emergency responders battled the flames.

The Federal Fire Service confirmed that its personnel, alongside Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, were deployed from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations to the scene. Several people were rescued from the building, and first responders revived those affected by smoke inhalation.

While the extent of property damage is still being assessed, officials confirmed that no fatalities had been recorded as of press time.

Of the nine people rescued from the building, five were successfully revived, while four remained unconscious.

“A total of nine victims have been rescued. Five individuals have been resuscitated. Several others escaped unhurt, while efforts are ongoing to revive the remaining four,” the agency stated.

As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service had yet to provide an update on the condition of the four individuals still receiving emergency attention.

UBA reassured customers that the safety of its staff and clients was prioritised, and emphasised that its banking operations across Nigeria remain unaffected.

The incident has again raised safety concerns around fire preparedness in densely populated commercial districts of Lagos, where high-rise office buildings accommodate thousands of workers daily.