At least six more fatalities have been confirmed following Tuesday’s fire outbreak at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State.
The victims, all employees of United Capital Plc, worked on the 3rd and 4th floors of the tower.
Their deaths were announced in a statement released by the company on Thursday morning.
“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 statement read.
FIRS loses four
The development comes just a day after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) confirmed the deaths of four senior officials who were trapped on duty at the agency’s sixth and seventh-floor offices inside the high-rise.
The deceased FIRS staff 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 described the incident as a devastating loss.
“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 inferno spread rapidly through the commercial complex, trapping workers as dense smoke engulfed several floors before emergency responders arrived.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reported that at least nine people were rescued, five resuscitated, while several others escaped unhurt during the chaotic evacuation.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
Meanwhile, the FIRS has pledged to support the bereaved families and review safety standards across all its offices nationwide.