FIRS mourns four Assistant Directors, Managers killed in Afriland Towers fire

By Omodele Adigun

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has been 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.

“The Management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow. We are in touch with the families of our departed colleagues whose commitment and professionalism were never in doubt.

“We will provide every necessary support at this trying time and are reviewing safety measures across FIRS offices in both rented and owned buildings nationwide,” the statement added.