Street urchins and local traders risked their lives to rescue trapped workers during the Afriland Towers fire in Lagos, where 10 people died
At least 10 people, including six United Capital staff and four employees of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), died in the Afriland Towers fire in Lagos on September 16.
Witnesses told TheCable that street urchins and local traders played a decisive role in rescuing trapped workers before firefighters arrived.
“We found so many people lying unconscious on the stairs,” said Aderinola Ojo, who helped save four victims, including a pregnant woman. “We did it out of empathy, not to receive anything from anybody.”
Ganiyat Olatunbosun, a petty trader, said the agberos mounted ladders and carried unconscious victims to safety.
Despite these efforts, many succumbed, including FIRS assistant directors Sunday Jatto David and George Faith Ekelikhostse. One man attempting to jump to safety struck his head on the pavement and later died.
The tragedy prompted Tony Elumelu, chairman of UBA, to cut short a trip abroad. United Capital announced a memorial service for the victims, calling their loss “an immeasurable void.”