By Our Correspondent
LAGOS – The tragic fire that engulfed Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial complex on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has claimed more lives, pushing the official death toll to 10. The catastrophe has thrown two major institutions – United Capital Plc and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) – into deep mourning as grief ripples through corporate Nigeria.
On Thursday morning, United Capital Plc confirmed the deaths of six employees who were trapped when the raging inferno swept through the building. The firm, which occupies the 3rd and 4th floors, described the loss as “an immeasurable void” in a solemn statement.
> “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 statement read. “Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.”
FIRS Hit By Tragedy
The fire has also left the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) reeling after confirming the deaths of four senior officials on its 6th and 7th floors.
The victims were identified as:
Mrs. Ekelikhostse George, Assistant Director
Mr. David Sunday-Jatto, Assistant Director
Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe, Senior Manager
Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye, Manager
In a statement, Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, said the tragedy was a “devastating blow” to the agency’s workforce.
> “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 noted, adding that safety officials immediately alerted fire services, but by then “thick, dark smoke was already billowing out of the building.”
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as workers scrambled to escape the inferno. Thick plumes of smoke trapped many inside as fire alarms rang and panic gripped the multi-storey building.
According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, at least nine people were rescued and five resuscitated, while others managed to escape without injury. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be officially determined, though investigations are ongoing.
The deaths of 10 professionals in a single incident have shaken Nigeria’s business and financial hub to its core. Both United Capital and the FIRS have pledged to support the bereaved families, while also reviewing internal safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
For now, Broad Street – the beating heart of Lagos’ financial district – remains a ground zero of grief, as candles are lit, prayers offered, and lives remembered.
PIONEER NEWS 