A branch of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) on Lagos Island was engulfed by fire on Tuesday, forcing terrified staff to leap from the upper floors in desperate attempts to escape.
Videos circulating on social media showed workers climbing through windows and jumping from the storey building as thick smoke poured out. Onlookers could be heard screaming as the scene unfolded.
The cause of the blaze remains unclear, but witnesses say the fire spread rapidly, trapping staff inside before they managed to escape through dangerous routes.
Emergency responders had not issued an official statement at the time of filing this report, but efforts to contain the fire were already underway, with firefighters seen battling the flames.
The dramatic incident has sparked outrage and concern online, with many Nigerians questioning the adequacy of fire safety measures in public and commercial buildings across Lagos.
