The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has said that four of its officials lost their lives in Tuesday’s fire incident at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos.
According to reports, the fire started in the inverter room located in the basement before spreading to other parts of the building.
In a statement issued by Dare Adekanmbi, media aide to FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, the victims were said to be working on the agency’s sixth and seventh-floor offices when the tragedy struck.
The deceased were identified as Ekelikhostse George, assistant director; David Sunday-Jatto, assistant director; Nkem Onyemelukwe, senior manager; and Peter Ifaranmaye, manager.
Adekanmbi stated that the service is in mourning and has reached out to the affected families.
“The management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow over the development. We offer our condolences to the grieving families and will provide all the necessary support at this trying time,” the statement reads.
He further explained that FIRS security personnel immediately alerted the fire service, but the inferno had already spread to several sections of the building.
Adekanmbi added that the agency is working closely with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the fire and would also review safety measures across all FIRS offices nationwide.