A devastating fire on Tuesday, September 16, engulfed Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, resulting in the tragic deaths of four senior officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and triggering widespread grief. The high-rise, which houses financial institutions including FIRS, United Capital Plc (UCAP), and a branch of United Bank for Africa (UBA), was reportedly set ablaze by a fire originating in the inverter room in the basement, before rapidly spreading through multiple floors.

The FIRS staff who lost their lives while on duty at the Medium Tax Audit Office and Onikan Emerging Tax Office on the sixth and seventh floors have been identified:

• Mrs. Ekelikhostse George, Assistant Director, 58, is just three days shy of voluntary retirement after 32 years of service.

• Mr. David Sunday-Jatto, Assistant Director, 51, with 15 years of service.

• Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe, Senior Manager, 54, with 13 years of service.

• Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye, Manager, 48, with 9 years of service.

Photo Credit: Nigeria Info FM

It is understood that the victims succumbed to inhalation of thick smoke that quickly enveloped the building.

Eyewitnesses reported thick, dark smoke billowing from the building as panic ensued. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service promptly mobilized to control the blaze. At least nine people were rescued, including five who required resuscitation, while numerous others escaped unhurt during the chaotic evacuation.

The FIRS officially confirmed the fatalities in a statement signed by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman. The agency described the tragedy as a “devastating blow” to its workforce and pledged full support to the grieving families of the deceased, whose professionalism and dedication were lauded.

Additionally, FIRS announced a comprehensive review of safety measures across all offices nationwide, in collaboration with relevant authorities, to determine the exact cause of the fire and prevent future incidents.

Photo Credit: Arise News

Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Afriland Properties Plc, cut short his trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly upon learning of the fire. In a statement on Wednesday, he expressed being “shattered” by the incident, describing it as a “devastating loss for the Afriland family.”

Elumelu extended condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims and called for solidarity with those affected. He announced a minute of silence at 12:00 noon on Wednesday across all companies within his Group to honor the deceased. He also praised emergency responders and the public for their courage and compassion.

Investigations into the precise cause of the fire are ongoing, with authorities focused on enhancing safety protocols in high-rise commercial buildings to prevent future tragedies.