The Federal Inland Revenue Service has confirmed the death of four of its staff members in Tuesday’s fire at Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos.
Those who died were 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 tragedy as a heavy blow.
“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.
FIRS explained that it occupies the sixth and seventh floors of the building, where its Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office are located.
“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.
“The Management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow over the development. They offer their condolences to the grieving families and are in touch with the families of our departed colleagues whose commitment to excellence, dedication, and professionalism were never in doubt. We will provide all the necessary support at this trying time,” the agency added.
The agency also said it was working with relevant authorities in Lagos to determine the cause of the fire while reviewing safety measures across all its offices nationwide.
FIRS Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, who was on his way to the United States for the UN General Assembly when the news broke, said he was devastated and had cut short his trip to return to Lagos.
“No words 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,” Adedeji said. “Yesterday was a stark reminder of what truly matters: our irreplaceable people, those who walk through our doors each day and share our mission.”
He added that a memorial will be held to honour the late staff, while families of the deceased will be supported by the service.
“I also want to thank all those who supported in one way or the other, from emergency responders and first aid workers to members of the public who showed courage and compassion. A minute’s silence will be observed today at 12:00 noon WAT across all our group companies. May this never happen again in our Group. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,” he said.
