Four Senior FIRS Officials Die in Lagos Afriland Towers Fire

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has been thrown into deep mourning following the tragic death of four of its senior staff members in a devastating fire outbreak that engulfed Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday, leaving families, colleagues, and the entire tax authority in shock.

The deceased officials, who were on duty when the fire struck, have been identified as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George, an Assistant Director; Mr. David Sunday-Jatto, also an Assistant Director; Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe, a Senior Manager; and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye, a Manager. They were trapped on the sixth and seventh floors where FIRS operated its Medium Tax Audit Office and Onikan Emerging Tax Office.

How the Fire Started

Eyewitnesses told Akahi News that the fire reportedly originated from the building’s basement inverter room before spreading rapidly upward, filling several floors with thick, suffocating smoke. Many workers scrambled for safety as the flames intensified, but not everyone managed to escape before the situation worsened.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that it received a distress call around 1:38 pm, prompting the immediate deployment of fire crews from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations. Officials disclosed that nine individuals were rescued alive, five were resuscitated at the scene, while others escaped unhurt.

However, the four FIRS staff members could not be saved as the smoke and fire cut off evacuation routes before emergency responders could reach them.

FIRS Confirms Deaths, Mourns Victims

In a statement signed by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, the agency expressed profound grief over the loss, describing it as “a devastating blow” to the entire 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, Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday,” the statement read.

According to the agency, security and safety officers at the building promptly alerted emergency services once the fire was noticed, but by the time help arrived, “thick dark smoke was already billowing out of the building.”

Support for Families and Safety Measures

The FIRS management said it is in close contact with the families of the deceased, pledging full support during this painful period. It also revealed plans to review and strengthen fire and safety protocols across all its offices nationwide, whether in rented facilities or FIRS-owned buildings, to prevent a recurrence.

“The Management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow. We are in touch with the families of our departed colleagues whose commitment and professionalism were never in doubt. We will provide every necessary support at this trying time and are reviewing safety measures across FIRS offices nationwide,” the statement concluded.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have since launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the inferno. Building safety in Lagos, particularly in high-rise commercial structures, has once again come under scrutiny following this tragedy, with calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards across public and private facilities.

Akahi News gathered that the Lagos State Government and emergency agencies are expected to issue a detailed report once the investigation is concluded. Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, friends, and stakeholders in the tax sector as the nation mourns the loss of dedicated public servants.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org