Tragedy struck at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday when a fire outbreak claimed the lives of four staff members of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

The victims, identified as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager), were working at the FIRS offices located on the sixth and seventh floors of the building when the incident occurred.

Confirming the development, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, described the loss as “a devastating blow to the Service and the families of the departed.” “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,” Mr. Adekanmbi said in a statement.

He explained that FIRS occupies two floors of the building, housing the Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office.

According to him, security personnel and safety officers at the premises immediately contacted the fire service when the blaze was detected.

“On getting to the scene, thick dark smoke was already billowing out of the building,” he added.

Mr. Adekanmbi noted that the Service is providing support to the affected families while cooperating with relevant agencies to determine the cause of the fire.

“The management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow over the development. Their commitment to excellence, dedication, and professionalism were never in doubt. We will provide all the necessary support at this trying time,” he said.

He further disclosed that FIRS will be reviewing safety measures across its offices nationwide to prevent a recurrence.