Tragedy struck on Tuesday when fire engulfed Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, a multi-storey building that houses offices of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), United Capital Plc (UCAP), a branch of United Bank for Africa (UBA), and other financial institutions.
The blaze was said to have originated in the inverter room before spreading upward.
Videos shared on social media showed terrified occupants of the high-rise escaping through the windows in desperate attempts to save their lives.
On Wednesday, the FIRS announced that four of its staff members died in the incident.
A statement issued by Dare Adekanmbi, media aide to Zacch Adedeji, the FIRS chairperson, said the deceased were working at the agency’s offices on the sixth and seventh floors when the tragedy occurred.
TheCable understands that the four officials died after inhaling thick smoke that enveloped the building during the inferno.
Below are the names of the deceased FIRS staff:
George Faith Ekelikhostse: The late Faith was an assistant director with the FIRS. She was 58. TheCable understands that she died just three days to her voluntary retirement, after 32 years of service.
Sunday-Jatto David: David, 51, was also an assistant director with the FIRS and had served for 15 years.
Ifaranmaye Peter: Peter was a manager with nine years of service. He was 48 years old.
Onyemelukwe Nkem: Nkem was a senior manager with 13 years in service. She was 54 years old.
