Polaris Bank debunks reports of 34 deaths in Lagos branch fire, describing the claims as false and misleading.

The bank issued a statement addressing reports circulating on social media and other platforms that alleged dozens of people lost their lives during a fire outbreak at one of its Lagos locations.

According to Polaris Bank, the information being shared does not reflect the actual events surrounding the incident. The institution maintained that no deaths were recorded and that reports suggesting otherwise were inaccurate.

The bank explained that emergency response teams acted promptly to contain the situation and prevent further damage. It added that relevant authorities and safety agencies responded to the incident in line with established emergency procedures.

Polaris Bank emphasized that the safety and wellbeing of its employees, customers, and visitors remain a top priority. The institution noted that measures were taken immediately after the incident to ensure the area was secured and properly assessed.

The bank also urged members of the public to rely on verified information from official sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could create unnecessary panic.

Management reiterated its commitment to transparency and responsible communication, assuring customers that operations and services remain focused on maintaining safety standards across its branch network.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns about the spread of misinformation online, particularly during emergency situations where inaccurate reports can quickly gain attention and cause confusion.

Polaris Bank stated that it will continue to cooperate with relevant authorities regarding any investigations or assessments linked to the fire incident while ensuring customers remain informed through official communication channels.

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Fire guts building on Lagos Island, triggering a swift response from emergency agencies as firefighters worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to surrounding properties.

The incident occurred on Lagos Island, where thick smoke was seen rising from the affected structure, attracting the attention of residents and business owners in the area.

Emergency responders were deployed to the scene shortly after reports of the outbreak emerged. Firefighters immediately commenced operations aimed at bringing the situation under control and reducing potential damage to nearby buildings.

Officials said efforts were focused on containing the fire while ensuring the safety of residents, workers, and other individuals within the vicinity of the affected property.

Witnesses reported heightened activity around the location as emergency personnel coordinated response measures and restricted movement in parts of the area to support firefighting operations.

Although the cause of the incident had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting, authorities indicated that investigations would be conducted once the situation was fully contained.

The Lagos State Fire Service and other emergency management agencies continued monitoring developments while assessing the extent of structural damage caused by the fire.

Incidents involving commercial and residential buildings in densely populated urban centres often raise concerns about fire safety compliance, emergency preparedness, and rapid response capabilities.

Authorities urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency officials while efforts to secure the area continued.

Further details regarding casualties, property losses, and the cause of the fire are expected to be released after a comprehensive assessment by relevant agencies.

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Tragedy struck on Bola Street, Oyingbo, Lagos State, after a fire razed a residential bungalow with attached shops, resulting in the death of a centenarian woman and the destruction of several properties.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday by its Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu. According to the agency, a distress call was received at about noon, prompting an immediate emergency response.

Upon arrival at the scene at approximately 12:13 pm, responders discovered that a bungalow comprising multiple residential rooms and two shops had already been engulfed in flames. Emergency protocols were activated swiftly to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.

Despite the rapid response, the agency confirmed that a 103-year-old woman, whose identity was withheld, was recovered dead from the building after firefighters gained access to the affected rooms.

Preliminary findings revealed that the fire reportedly started from one of the rooms before spreading rapidly across the structure. However, officials stated that the exact cause of the inferno remains undetermined and is currently under investigation.

LASEMA disclosed that the incident affected eight rooms, a mini-flat, six shops, and several household items, leaving occupants with significant losses.

“The recovered body has been formally handed over to the family for necessary arrangements,” Oke-Osanyintolu said, adding that the fire had been fully extinguished.

He further explained that personnel from the LASEMA Response Team, LASEMA Fire Unit, and other emergency responders collaborated effectively to contain the fire, conclude dampening-down operations, and ensure the area was safe.

Residents of the area described the incident as shocking, noting that the fire spread rapidly before help arrived. The tragedy has once again raised concerns about fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and building safety standards in Lagos’ older residential districts.

Authorities have urged residents to observe fire safety precautions while investigations into the cause of the incident continue.

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In the aftermath of the tragic fire at Afriland Towers on September 16, which claimed ten lives and left several others injured, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has pledged to expedite compensation payments to the victims’ families and the injured.

During a condolence visit to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office in Ikoyi, Lagos, as well as to United Capital Plc and the bereaved families, the NSITF reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all claims under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) are processed without delay.

The delegation, led by Mr. Abdullateef Musa, General Manager of Compliance, who represented the Managing Director and Chief Executive, Barrister Olúwaseun Faleye, extended the Fund’s condolences. He stated that the NSITF stands in solidarity with the affected institutions and families, and reaffirmed the Fund’s statutory role in delivering social security to Nigerian workers. He assured those present that all benefits due to the dependents of the deceased would be processed promptly and transparently.

Musa acknowledged the deep impact of the incident not only on the organizations involved but also on the bereaved families, colleagues, and the wider workforce community. While emphasizing that the loss of life is irreplaceable, he underscored the Fund’s resolve to support and stand by the families left behind.

At FIRS, Assistant Director Mr. Innocent Ugwuoke expressed appreciation for the NSITF’s quick response and ongoing support. He noted that the Employees’ Compensation Scheme had proven to be a vital safety net during emergencies such as this and called for greater public awareness about the scheme so that more employers and workers understand its significance and benefits.

A similar sentiment was echoed during the visit to United Capital Plc, where the company’s Director of Human Resources, Oluseye Komolafe, commended the NSITF for its efficient handling of the situation. He praised the scheme’s structure and the professionalism of the Fund, describing its support as both timely and compassionate.

The fire, which engulfed Afriland Towers on September 16, 2025, led to the deaths of four FIRS employees and six staff members of United Capital Plc. The incident has raised fresh concerns around workplace safety and employee welfare in Nigeria.

The NSITF has reiterated its readiness to work closely with all affected parties to ensure that compensation is disbursed quickly and fairly, in keeping with its broader mandate to provide social protection for workers across the country.

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