The Federal Inland Revenue Service has revealed that it lost four senior staff members in the Tuesday’s fire incident at Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos.

The tragedy, which has thrown the entire FIRS community into mourning, occurred on the sixth and seventh floors of the building where the Medium Tax Audit Office and Onikan Emerging Tax Office are located.

The deceased, according to a statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, the victims were identified as Mrs. Ekelikhostse George, Assistant Director; Mr David Sunday-Jatto, Assistant Director; Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe, Senior Manager; and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye, Manager.

According to the agency in a condolence post on its X handle on Wednesday, its security and safety officials quickly alerted the fire service, but thick smoke had already spread through the building before emergency responders arrived.

The post reads, “The Management and staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of four of our colleagues in the fire incident that occurred on Tuesday at Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos. The unfortunate incident has thrown the entire FIRS community into mourning.

“FIRS occupies the sixth and seventh floors of Afriland Towers, where the Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office are located. Upon being alerted, our Security and Safety officials swiftly mobilised and contacted the fire service, but by the time emergency responders arrived, thick smoke had already engulfed the building.”

The service added that it is maintaining close contact with the families of the victims and will provide every necessary support during this difficult period.

FIRS also disclosed that it is reviewing and strengthening safety protocols across all its offices nationwide to safeguard staff and prevent a recurrence.

“The Management and staff of FIRS extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We honour the memory of our departed colleagues whose professionalism and dedication were exemplary.

“FIRS remains in close touch with the families and will provide every necessary support during this difficult time. In addition, we are reviewing and strengthening safety measures across all FIRS offices nationwide, both rented and owned, to ensure the safety of our people remains paramount,” it mourned.

On Tuesday, fire engulfed the Afriland Towers building.

According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, nine people were rescued, five were resuscitated, while others managed to escape unhurt.

Meanwhile, emergency responders said investigations were underway to determine the exact cause of the fire, which eyewitnesses said spread rapidly through the high-rise, trapping occupants on multiple floors.