Lagos, Nigeria – Four employees of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) lost their lives in a devastating fire that engulfed Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday, according to exclusive information obtained by sources close to the incident.
The victims, comprising two male and two female staff members, were working on the seventh floor of the building when the blaze broke out. Sources revealed that the FIRS employees were unaware of the fire’s spread until it was too late to escape safely.
Several other staff members sustained minor injuries during the incident and are currently receiving medical treatment at a private hospital in Lagos.
Fire Originates in Building’s Basement
The fire reportedly started in the inverter room located in the basement of the multi-story commercial building. Thick smoke quickly spread throughout multiple floors, creating panic and triggering a chaotic evacuation of workers and visitors.
The incident also claimed the lives of personnel from other companies housed within the tower, though specific numbers have not been disclosed.
Chairman Returns from UN Trip
Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Afriland Properties Plc, which owns the building, expressed deep grief over the tragedy and announced he was cutting short his trip to the United States to return to Lagos.
Elumelu had been traveling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly when he learned of the incident. In a letter to all staff members, he wrote: “No word can capture the magnitude of this loss – not for their families who loved them, not for the friends who valued them, and not for those of us who worked beside them.”
“Yesterday was a stark reminder of what truly matters: our irreplaceable people, those who walk through our doors each day and share our mission,” Elumelu stated, describing his decision to return as “a mark of respect to our lost colleagues.”
Investigation Continues
Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire and the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of life. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety protocols in Lagos’s commercial buildings, particularly regarding early warning systems and evacuation procedures.
The FIRS has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident or the identities of the deceased employees.
Ayo Sogbuyi is a seasoned journalist with over 30 years of experience, he is a passionate advocate for press freedom and ethical reporting. Throughout his career, he has covered significant global events and championed the role of journalism in holding power to account.