Tragedy struck on Tuesday when fire engulfed Afriland Towers, a multi-storey complex on Broad Street, Lagos, which houses the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), United Capital Plc (UCAP), a branch of United Bank for Africa (UBA), and other financial institutions,
The fire reportedly started from the inverter room before spreading to other sections of the building. Videos that surfaced online showed terrified occupants escaping through windows in desperate attempts to survive.
On Wednesday, the FIRS confirmed that four of its staff members lost their lives in the inferno. According to a statement by Dare Adekanmbi, media aide to FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji, the victims were working at the agency’s offices on the sixth and seventh floors when they were trapped by the smoke.
They were identified as:
George Faith Ekelikhostse (58): Assistant Director, who had spent 32 years in service. She died just three days before her scheduled voluntary retirement.
Sunday-Jatto David (51): Assistant Director with 15 years of service.
Ifaranmaye Peter (48): Manager with nine years of service.
Onyemelukwe Nkem (54): Senior Manager with 13 years of service.
TheCable gathered that the four officials died after inhaling thick smoke that filled the building during the blaze.
The tragedy has thrown the FIRS community into mourning, with colleagues describing the deceased as dedicated professionals whose service and contributions will be deeply missed.
