A devastating fire outbreak on Tuesday night at Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos, has claimed several lives, including four senior staff members of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and some United Bank for Africa (UBA) employees.
The fire reportedly began in the building’s inverter room before spreading rapidly to other floors, fueled by strong winds and wooden partitions. Emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and LASEMA battled the blaze, but their efforts were hampered by the intensity of the flames and difficulty accessing the upper floors.
Among the FIRS casualties were Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager). According to colleagues, Sunday-Jatto was in the office to formally hand over duties following his transfer when he was trapped in the fire.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as smoke engulfed the building, forcing some workers to jump from higher floors in desperate attempts to escape. Many sustained injuries, while survivors lamented the absence of functional smoke detectors and poor fire preparedness.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service, through a statement by its Special Adviser on Media, Dare Adekanmbi, expressed deep grief over the loss and promised support to the families of the deceased.
UBA Chairman, Tony Elumelu, also confirmed that staff members of the bank were among the victims, describing the incident as devastating. He said he had cut short his trip to the United Nations General Assembly in respect for the deceased colleagues.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Deputy Controller General, Ogabi Olajide, revealed that the fire started around 1:38 a.m. and confirmed that nine casualties were rescued, with five resuscitated.
The tragedy has drawn public concern over workplace safety and emergency preparedness in high-rise buildings across Lagos.