At least 10 workers from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc (UCP) have been confirmed dead following a fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos.
The blaze, which eyewitnesses said began in the building’s basement inverter room, quickly spread thick smoke through the upper floors, forcing occupants to smash windows and leap to safety in chaotic scenes captured on video.
In a statement issued by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, the tax agency said four of its officials died in the incident.
They were identified as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).
“It is with a heavy heart that FIRS announces the tragic loss of four of its staff members during the fire incident at Afriland Towers,” the statement read.
The victims were working on the sixth and seventh floors, where FIRS operates its Medium Tax Audit Office and Onikan Emerging Tax Office.
Adekanmbi added that the agency was working with Lagos authorities to determine the cause while promising tighter workplace safety nationwide:
“We are working in collaboration with all relevant agencies in Lagos to get to the root cause of the unfortunate incident. While this is going on, we will be reviewing safety measures across FIRS offices in both rented and owned buildings nationwide.”
United Capital Plc confirmed the death of six of its employees, describing their passing as “an immeasurable loss.”
“It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers,” the company said in a statement.
UCP disclosed it was preparing burial arrangements and a memorial service to honour the victims.
“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void. We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity.”
Panic gripped Broad Street as trapped workers broke windows for ventilation and some leapt from ledges to escape smoke-filled floors. Videos showed bystanders rushing to help with ladders and foam padding, while screams filled the air.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service later confirmed the fire originated in the basement inverter room, but smoke had already engulfed multiple floors.
Human rights groups and safety advocates are already calling for a comprehensive safety audit of high-rise buildings in Lagos.
