The death toll from the tragic fire incident at Afriland Towers in Lagos has risen to 10, with six additional fatalities reported from United Capital Plc, bringing the total number of lives lost to 10.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had earlier confirmed the death of four employees in the inferno.
This is as President Bola Tinubu commiserated with the families of victims, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the United Bank of Africa (UBA) Plc over Tuesday’s fire outbreak at Afriland Building on Broad Street, Lagos Island.
President Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, extended his condolences to the management and staff of Afriland Properties Limited, the FIRS, and UBA, particularly those who lost loved ones in the inferno and the injured who are currently receiving medical attention.
The President commended the emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, first aiders, medical personnel, and public members, for quick intervention and noted their deep sense of responsibility during evacuation.
President Tinubu advised more caution, training, and alertness to avert such emergencies in the future and prayed that God Almighty would receive the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to the injured.
Meanwhile, United Capital, in a statement, said, “ 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 at Afriland Towers on September 16, 2025.
“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void.
“We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones. We continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers and provide all the support we can during this most difficult time.”
It added, “We are preparing for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity.
“We thank the emergency services and all those who responded for their valiant assistance at the time of the incident.”
United Capital stated that “in this moment of untold grief, we stand together in solidarity, drawing strength from one another as we navigate this period.”
Recall a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, confirmed the death of four employees in the fire incident.
FIRS said the deceased employees were working at one of the two FIRS offices housed on the sixth and seventh floors of the towers when the tragedy struck.
According to the statement, 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 in Lagos on Tuesday.
“FIRS is one of the tenants occupying the Towers, with our Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office housed on the sixth and seventh floors.
“Our Security and Safety officials quickly mobilised and contacted the fire service as soon as they were alerted. On getting to the scene, thick dark smoke was already billowing out of the building.
“The Management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow over the development. They offer their condolences to the grieving families and are in touch with the families of our departed colleagues whose commitment to excellence, dedication and professionalism were never in doubt. We will provide all the necessary support at this trying time.
“We are working in collaboration with all relevant agencies in Lagos to get to the root cause of the unfortunate incident. While this is happening, we will review safety measures across FIRS offices in both rented and owned buildings nationwide.”
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa had, in separate letters, expressed their condolences to family members, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and United Bank for Africa (UBA) over the fire tragedies.
The cause of the fire is believed to have originated from the inverter room in the basement of the building, which spread rapidly across multiple floors, trapping occupants.
