Key Points:
- Elumelu says the last hours feel hard for all. He adds that the group lost dear staff and friends.
- He calls the first UBA note “hasty” and “regrettable”. He says it failed to show the pain felt.
- The group stops work to reflect on those lost. He prays for peace and comfort for loved ones.
The UBA chairman, Tony Elumelu, has shared a sober note. He mourns those who died in the Afriland Towers fire. He says the bank lost dear hands and kind friends. He prays, “May their souls rest in perfect peace.”
He tells the public the past hours feel tough. Many at the bank now grieve with heavy hearts. “We and others lost colleagues in the fire,” he writes. He says the group will stand by all loved ones.
UBA boss shares grief and regret
Elumelu points to an early post from the bank’s team. He says the first note went out in haste. “This is regrettable,” he adds in clear, plain words. He says it did not show how sad they feel.
He states the loss of life hurts in deep ways. It hurts more when it touches family and friends. “We are praying for all the lives lost,” he says. The tone stays calm, warm, and firm all through.
Group pauses to honour the dead
“ Our Group paused today to reflect,” he shares next. Staff took time to think on all who passed. He calls them “irreplaceable” and dear in their minds. “They will remain in our memories always,” he adds.
The chair closes with a simple, solemn prayer line. “May God comfort their loved ones and us all.” He says the bank will do what it can now. Care and help will go to those who need it.
Wider talk on grief and public response
Earlier this week, a blaze hit UBA’s Broad Street branch at Afriland Towers in Lagos Island, sending thick smoke into the sky as people rushed out; the cause stayed unclear while responders worked at the scene—see details in our update: UBA Lagos fire engulfs Broad Street branch.
Elumelu’s note keeps the focus on care and help. He says the UBA family stands with those in pain. The plan is to back the next of kin and friends. Support will follow as the group mourns the dead.
He ends where he began, with faith and hope. “May their souls rest in perfect peace,” he writes. “May God comfort their loved ones and us all.” The message stays short, humane, and clear for the time.
