The death toll from the tragic fire at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has risen, with United Capital Plc confirming the loss of six of its employees. The blaze, which broke out on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, also claimed the lives of four senior staff members of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
In a statement released on Thursday morning, United Capital described the deaths as an immeasurable loss to the company. “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 firm said. Plans are underway for a memorial service to honour the deceased.
On Wednesday, FIRS also confirmed that four of its officials—Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager)—lost their lives in the inferno. The agency described the tragedy as a devastating blow, adding that it is working with emergency services to establish the cause of the fire.
Eyewitnesses recounted how thick smoke quickly engulfed the high-rise, trapping workers across several floors. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service disclosed that at least nine people were rescued, five resuscitated, while others managed to escape unhurt.
The FIRS, which operates its Medium Tax Audit Office and Onikan Emerging Tax Office from the affected building, has pledged to support the families of the victims and strengthen safety measures across its offices nationwide. United Capital also assured that it would provide all necessary support to bereaved families during this period of grief.
