Four FIRS staff killed in fire outbreak at Afriland Towers

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) says four of its staff members died in Tuesday’s fire at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos.

The blaze was said to have originated in the inverter room located in the basement and later spread through the building.

A statement on Wednesday by Dare Adekanmbi, media aide to Zacch Adedeji, the FIRS chairperson, said the deceased were working at the agency’s offices on the sixth and seventh floors when the incident occurred.

The victims were identified as Ekelikhostse George, assistant director; David Sunday-Jatto, assistant director; Nkem Onyemelukwe, senior manager; and Peter Ifaranmaye, manager.

Adekanmbi said the service is in mourning and has reached out to the families of the victims.

“The management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow over the development. We offer our condolences to the grieving families and will provide all the necessary support at this trying time,” the statement reads.

He added that FIRS security officials quickly alerted the fire service, but the blaze had already engulfed parts of the building.

Adekanmbi said the agency is working with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the fire and would also review safety protocols across all its offices nationwide.