…as FIRS confirms the death of four staff

President Bola Tinubu commiserates with the families of victims, of Tuesday’s fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island.

All together, nine staff of
the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the United Capital, and the United Bank of Africa (UBA) were said to have lost their lives in the fire incident.

However, only FIRS, has confirmed the death of four of its staff in the inferno while United Capital and UBA are still keeping mute.

In a statement on Thursday, President Tinubu extended his condolences to the management and staff of Afriland Properties Limited, the FIRS, United Capital, UBA, and particularly to those who lost loved ones in the inferno, as well as to the injured who are currently receiving medical attention.
 
The President also commended the emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, first aiders, medical personnel, and members of the public, for their quick intervention and notes their deep sense of responsibility during the evacuation.

President Tinubu advises more caution, training, and alertness to avert such emergencies in the future.
 
The President prays that God Almighty will receive the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to the injured.
 
Meanwhile, the FIRS has unveiled the identities of four of its staff who died in the fire incident.

It said the deceased staff were working on the sixth and seventh floors of the building, when the fire incident occurred.

They were identified as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George, aged 58, and served for 32 years, Mr. David Sunday-Jatto, who is also an Assistant Director at 51 years old, has committed 15 years to the agency, Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe, a Senior Manager at 54, has been with the agency for 13 years and has served Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager) who was 48 years old and had served the revenue agency for nine years.

The fire, which eyewitnesses said started from the inverter room in the basement, spread quickly to the upper floors, trapping many occupants.

The Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, confirmed the deaths and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

He wrote : “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 management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow. We will provide all the necessary support to the families at this trying time.”