Tragedy struck Lagos on Tuesday as a fire at Afriland Towers on Broad Street claimed the lives of ten people, staff members of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc (UCP).
The fatalities were confirmed in separate statements released by both organizations on Wednesday.
FIRS reported the loss of four staff members, while UCP confirmed six employees perished in the blaze.
In a statement issued by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, the deceased were identified as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).
According to the agency, the victims were working on the sixth and seventh floors of Afriland Towers, which house FIRS’s Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax offices.
“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.
FIRS said emergency services were contacted promptly, but thick smoke had already engulfed the building by the time help arrived. It added that support is being extended to the victims’ families and that the agency is working with relevant authorities to investigate the incident.
“We will also be reviewing safety protocols across all FIRS offices nationwide—both rented and owned,” the agency said.
In a separate statement, United Capital Plc expressed deep sorrow over the loss of six of its employees, describing them as an integral part of the company and its family. The statement added, “Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void,” and called for thoughts and prayers for the bereaved families.
Panic, Chaos as Fire Breaks Out
Panic gripped Broad Street on Tuesday morning as smoke from the building’s basement spread rapidly through the upper floors. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service later confirmed that the fire originated in the inverter room located in the basement.
Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes as trapped workers smashed windows in a desperate attempt to breathe, while others leapt from high floors to escape the choking smoke. Onlookers scrambled to help, bringing ladders and foam cushions in frantic rescue efforts.
Videos circulating online showed residents and bystanders assisting victims as they descended from windows. Screams and alarms echoed across the business district as chaos unfolded.
Photos from the aftermath revealed shattered windows, charred office spaces, and occupants clinging to ledges for safety while thick smoke poured from the upper floors.
Firefighters eventually brought the situation under control, but by then, the damage—both physical and emotional—had been done.
Authorities say investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, and safety audits of high-rise buildings across Lagos may be imminent in the wake of the tragedy.
