September 22, (THEWILL) — United Capital Plc and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) have announced the death of their staff members in the tragic fire incident at the Afriland Towers in Lagos on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
In a statement last weekend, the Management of United Capital Plc said, “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, and we continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers, as well as providing all the support we can to them during this most difficult time.
“We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity.”
It expressed appreciation to the emergency services and all those who responded, for their valiant assistance at the time of the incident.
“In this moment of untold grief, we stand together in solidarity, drawing strength from one another as we navigate this period.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace”, it prayed.
The FIRS, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, said, “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,” the statement read.
The agency said its Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office are based on the affected floors.
It added that its Security and Safety officials quickly contacted the fire service when alerted, but thick smoke had already engulfed the building.
FIRS said its management and staff are in deep shock and have reached out to the families of the deceased, promising to provide all necessary support.
“We are working in collaboration with all relevant agencies in Lagos to get to the root cause of the unfortunate incident. While this is going on, we will be reviewing safety measures across FIRS offices in both rented and owned buildings nationwide,” the statement said.
FIRS identified the victims as Mrs Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).
