The death toll from the Afriland Towers fire on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has risen to 10, following confirmation that six employees of United Capital Plc lost their lives in addition to four earlier confirmed casualties from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The inferno, which engulfed the six-storey commercial complex on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, originated from the inverter room in the basement before thick smoke spread across multiple floors, trapping occupants.
Initial reports confirmed the deaths of four FIRS staff — Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager). Tragedy struck Jatto in particular as he was in the office to hand over to his successor following a redeployment when the fire broke out.
On Thursday, United Capital Plc released a statement announcing the loss of six of its employees situated on the third and fourth floors.
“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. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void,” the statement read, adding that preparations are underway for a memorial service.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed rescuing nine casualties and evacuating several occupants, while five others were rushed to hospital for treatment.
In separate condolence messages, President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa commiserated with the bereaved families, FIRS, and United Capital Plc.
FIRS, in a statement, expressed its “deep shock and sorrow” over the tragedy and pledged to support the families of the deceased while working with relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the fire.
As of press time, neither the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service nor the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) had released an updated official statement on the incident.
