A devastating fire at Afriland Towers, located on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has claimed the lives of 10 people, including staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc. The building, which houses a branch of an older-generation bank and several businesses, went up in flames on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, causing panic across Lagos Island.
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Afriland Properties, owners of the building, confirmed that the fire originated in the facility’s power inverter room. In a statement signed by the company’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication, Chukwunonso Okafor, Afriland Properties said emergency services, including the Lagos State Fire and Safety Service and the Federal Fire Service, were promptly alerted and helped mitigate further damage.
“While an immediate investigation has commenced, initial reports indicate that the incident began in the inverter room and, regrettably, smoke spread quickly through the building, including the emergency exits,” the company said, expressing condolences to those affected.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) confirmed that four of its senior staff lost their lives in the incident. The fire reportedly broke out on the floors occupied by the Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office.
“The Management and staff of FIRS are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of four of our colleagues,” the agency said, noting that the incident has thrown the entire FIRS community into mourning.
United Capital Plc announced that six of its staff perished in the blaze. The company expressed profound grief and extended condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, while preparations for a memorial service are underway.
“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void,” the statement read. “We thank the emergency services and all those who responded for their valiant assistance at the time of the incident.”
UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu described the fire as a deeply personal loss. “I am shattered by yesterday’s devastating incident at Afriland Towers that took the lives of our dear colleagues,” he said. Elumelu revealed he cut short his trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York to return to Lagos in respect for the victims.
Elumelu also acknowledged that UBA’s initial communication on the tragedy “fell short of capturing the depth of sorrow” and expressed deep regret for the lives lost.
Afriland Properties said it is cooperating with relevant authorities as the investigation continues and expressed appreciation for the emergency responders, first aid workers, and members of the public who assisted during the incident.
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