Tears as UBA Confirms Death of 6 Staff, as FIRS loses 2 Directors, 2 Senior Managers in Afriland Towers Fire

Palpable sorrow enveloped the headquarters and Lagos offices of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Thursday, as the organization officially confirmed that it lost two directors and two senior managers in the conflagration that gutted some buildings in Mandilas, and the Afriland Towers on Broad Street, both on Lagos Island, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

In a heart-rending report, FIRS named one of the directors as Mr. David Sunday-Jatto, who met his tragic end Tuesday when he went to the office located in the Afriland Towers to hand over to his successor.

Sunday-Jatto, according to reports, had just been transferred to another branch of FIRS, and had come to the office that fateful day to hand over to his successor when he was caught in the raging fire.

In a statement, Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, Mr. Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, gave the names of the dead management members as Mrs Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr David Sunday-Jatto (assistant director), Mrs Nkem Onyemelukwe (senior manager) and Mr Peter Ifaranmaye (manager).

Several eye witnesses said the two infernos that wreaked the havoc occurred simultaneously during an alleged change-over in power supply in one of the buildings. Another source, however, countered saying an inverter explosion caused it. But they were unanimous in saying that the  sudden surge of fire and the fire alarm that rang continuously reportedly sent people into panic mode as they ran in every direction trying to escape the monster fires.

Television footages showed workers were seen jumping from windows in the eight-story Afriland Towers, some of them landing with serious injuries.

Altogether, seven victims have been confirmed killed in the Afriland Towers, a building that serves as offices for several organisation including FIRS which four directors and UBA that also lost some staff members. By Thursday, ten people had been confirmed dead in the fire that consumed Afriland Towers. United Capital, a subsidiary of the United Bank for Africa, UBA, announced it lost six staff members to the inferno.

A male staff member of the FIRS spoke glowingly of the late Sunday-Jatto, describing in as a “very unassuming person”. “He had just been transferred elsewhere and he came to the office on that day to hand over formally to his successor when the incident happened and took his life alongside eight others,” he said, tears cascading down his cheeks.

In the statement announcing their tragic losses, the management of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), expressed profound sorrow at the tragic demise of the four top shots.

“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, Broad Street, 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 going on, we will be reviewing safety measures across FIRS offices in both rented and owned buildings nationwide,” the statement said.

Predictably, the tragedy has sent some shock waves throughout the entire area, with many grieving traders taking to social media to express their condolences and outrage over the tragedy.

Confirming the death of six staff members, United Capital said:

“It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of  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.

Emergency responders had earlier confirmed rescuing several occupants after the fire, which was believed to have been triggered by an inverter explosion. While officials have yet to release an official casualty figure, eyewitnesses and internal company sources insist that “not everyone made it out alive.”

In an emotional statement,  UBA Chairman, Tony Elumelu, confirmed that the bank lost colleagues in the tragedy.

“The past few hours have been tough. We and others lost colleagues in the fire at Afriland Towers. As a community, we are grieving for all and doing what we can to support their families and loved ones,” he said.

He admitted that an earlier statement by the bank’s communication team “was put out in haste, without understanding the full gravity of what happened,” stressing that the loss of lives was painful and personal.

“Our Group paused today to reflect and remember all who passed. They are irreplaceable and will always remain in our memories. May their souls rest in perfect peace and may God comfort their loved ones and us all,” Elumelu added.