The Federal Inland Revenue Service( FIRS) has lost four senior staff members in the fire outbreak that engulfed Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday.
The unfortunate incident, which occurred on Tuesday, September 16,2025, has thrown the organisation into mourning since then.
The victims, who were on duty at the agency’s offices located on the sixth and seventh floors of the high-rise, were trapped when the blaze spread through the building.
In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, Dare Adekanmbi said the deceased officials were named 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 profound sorrow that the Federal Inland Revenue Service announces the tragic loss of four of its dedicated staff in the fire incident at Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos,” the statement read in part.
“The Service occupies the sixth and seventh floors of the Towers, housing the Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office. Despite prompt action by our security and safety officials, who immediately contacted the fire service, the inferno spread quickly, leaving thick smoke that made rescue efforts difficult.”
The agency expressed deep grief over the tragedy, describing the deceased as exemplary professionals whose commitment to duty was unquestionable.
It also extended condolences to their families and pledged full support during this period of loss.
“We are in close contact with the families of our departed colleagues and will stand by them in every way possible. At the same time, we are working with relevant authorities to determine the exact cause of this tragic incident. As part of precautionary measures, FIRS will review safety protocols across all its offices, both rented and owned, nationwide,” the statement added.
Emergency officials at the scene confirmed that investigations have commenced to ascertain the cause of the fire, which eyewitnesses described as fast-spreading and capable of trapping occupants on multiple floors.
Meanwhile,the Chairman of Afriland Properties Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu has mourned the tragic incident,saying he was deeply devastated.
In a signed letter on Wednesday, September 17,2025,addressed to all staff, Elumelu, said, “No word can capture the magnitude of this loss- not for their families who loved them, not for the friends who valued them, and not for those of us who worked beside them.
“Yesterday was a stark reminder of what truly matters: our irreplaceable people, those who walk through our doors each day and share our mission.
“I learnt of this on my way to the US, enroute to New York for UNGA. I have cut short my trip to return to Lagos as a mark of respect to our lost colleagues.”
He further said, “As we navigate this grief, I urge you all to reach out to those who are receiving care.
“In these coming days, we will convene colleagues in a memory to honour the memories of the departed as we provide support to their families,
“I also want to thank all those who supported in one way or the other, from emergency responders and first aid workers to members of the public who showed courage and compassion.
“A minute silence will be observed today at 12:00 noon WAT across all our group companies. May this never happen again in our group.
“May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.”
