Afriland Tower on fire
United Capital Plc, a financial and investment services firm has confirmed the death of six staffers in the fire outbreak at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island. United Capital Plc occupies the 3rd and 4th floors of the building.
The company disclosed this on its social media handle
Political Economist NG reports that the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, had earlier issued a statement announcing the death of four of its management team in the inferno
The deceased FIRS staff, who were working on the sixth and seventh floors of the building, were identified as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), 58 years old and had served for 32 years, Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), was 51 years old with 15 years at the Service, Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), was 54 year old and had served for 13 years and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager) who was 48 years old and had served for nine years.
Below is full statement by United Capital Plc:
“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 Tuesday, 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, and we continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers, as well as provide 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. We thank 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,” the company said.
Meantime, President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to families of victims, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the United Capital and UBA PLC over Tuesday’s fire at Afriland Building, Lagos.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday in Abuja.
Tinubu sympathised with the management and staff of Afriland Properties Limited, the FIRS, United Capital, UBA, and particularly with those who lost loved ones or were injured in the fire.
The President praised the swift response of the Federal Fire Service, medical teams, first responders, and concerned citizens who aided the evacuation efforts.
He urged increased caution, training and vigilance to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of all the deceased and a speedy recovery for the injured.
The fire, which eyewitnesses said started from the inverter room in the basement, spread quickly to the upper floors, trapping many occupants.
