The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United
Capital Plc have confirmed the loss of 10 employees in Wednesday’s fire
outbreak at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos.
FIRS said four of its staff died in the incident,
identifying them as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr. David
Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and
Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager). They were working on the sixth and seventh
floors of the building, which house the Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging
Tax Offices, when the blaze struck.
“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 agency said in a statement, adding that support would be provided
to the victims’ families. It also vowed to work with relevant agencies to
uncover the cause of the disaster and review safety protocols across its
offices nationwide.
United Capital Plc also confirmed the deaths of six
employees, describing them as “an integral part of our company and family”
whose painful loss leaves “an immeasurable void.”
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said the fire
started in the inverter room located in the basement before spreading
rapidly upwards. Eyewitnesses recounted chaotic scenes as smoke engulfed
several floors, with terrified occupants smashing windows for air and some
jumping down to escape. Onlookers rushed with ladders and makeshift foams to
help trapped workers.
Dramatic videos showed people clinging to ledges,
while firefighters battled to contain the blaze. Thick smoke continued to pour
from the high-rise for hours.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire,
which left dozens traumatized and brought central Lagos to a standstill.
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