Afriland Towers Fire: Elumelu Mourns as FIRS Loses Four Staff Members

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Chairman of Afriland Properties Plc, Mr Tony Elumelu, has extended condolences to staff and families of workers who died in Tuesday’s Afriland Towers fire, describing the tragedy as a devastating loss.

The building, which houses a UBA branch, United Capital, Avon, Afriland Properties Plc, Heirs Insurance, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), was ravaged by fire two days ago.

A source told Business Post that the fire started at the Afriland office, but couldn’t immediately disclose the cause or number of casualties.

The development has sparked reactions, from many lamenting the absence of safe evacuation procedures.

In a statement, Mr Elumelu, expressed sadness at the losses.

“I am shattered by Tuesday’s incident at Afriland Towers which claimed the lives of our colleagues,” Mr Elumelu said, expressing grief and acknowledging the depth of the loss.

“No words can capture the magnitude of this loss — not for their families, their friends, nor those of us who worked beside them.

“Tuesday was a stark reminder of what truly matters: our irreplaceable people who walk through our doors each day and share our mission.

“I learnt of this on my way to the US, en route to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

“I have cut short my trip to return to Lagos as a mark of respect to our lost colleagues. Please reach out to those receiving care,” he said.

Mr Elumelu, also Chairman of Heirs Holdings, announced that a memorial would be held in honour of the deceased and to support their grieving families, thanking emergency responders, first aid workers, members of the public, and others who displayed courage and compassion during the fire incident.

In a related development, the FIRS mourned the death of four staff members who lost their lives in the fire.

Mr Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to FIRS Chairman, Mr Zacch Adedeji, listed the victims as Assistant Directors Mrs Ekelikhostse George and Mr David Sunday-Jatto. Others were Mrs Nkem Onyemelukwe, Senior Manager, and Mr Peter Ifaranmaye, Manager. All were working at FIRS offices on the sixth and seventh floors of the affected property.

Mr Adekanmbi said the management and staff of FIRS were plunged into deep mourning and grief following the tragic loss of their colleagues.

“It is with a heavy heart that FIRS announces the loss of four staff members during the Afriland Towers fire on Tuesday.

“Our Security and Safety officials quickly mobilised and contacted the fire service. On arrival, thick dark smoke was already billowing out of the building,” he said.

According to him, management and staff are in deep shock and extend condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.

He praised the departed colleagues for their dedication and professionalism, pledging support to their families and grieving co-workers.

“We are working with relevant agencies in Lagos to establish the root cause of the incident while reviewing safety measures across all FIRS offices nationwide,” he said.