At least six additional deaths have been confirmed following the fire outbreak at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by United Capital on Thursday morning.
The victims were employees of the financial and investment services firm, which occupies the 3rd and 4th floors of the tower.
“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 on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers, as well as provide all the support we can to them during this most difficult time.
“We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity. We thank the emergency services and all those who responded for their valiant assistance at the time of the incident.
“In this moment of untold grief, we stand together in solidarity, drawing strength from one another as we navigate this period. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” the company said.
On Wednesday, the media reported that Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) was thrown into mourning after four of its senior officials were killed in the fire outbreak that ravaged Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island, on Tuesday.
The victims, who were trapped on duty at the agency’s sixth and seventh-floor offices inside the high-rise building, have been identified as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).
In a statement signed by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, the agency confirmed the deaths and described the tragedy as a devastating blow to its workforce.
“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, Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday,” the statement read.
“Our Security and Safety officials quickly mobilised and contacted the fire service as soon as they were alerted. On getting to the scene, thick dark smoke was already billowing out of the building.”
Eyewitnesses said the fire spread quickly through the multi-storey building, trapping workers as thick smoke engulfed several floors before emergency responders arrived.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service disclosed that at least nine people were rescued, five resuscitated, while others managed to escape unhurt during the chaotic evacuation.
The FIRS, which operates its Medium Tax Audit Office and Onikan Emerging Tax Office from the affected floors, said it was working closely with emergency agencies to determine the exact cause of the inferno.
The management also pledged to support the bereaved families and review safety standards across all its offices nationwide.
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