United Capital Plc has confirmed the identities of six of its staff members who lost their lives in the inferno that swept through Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, last Tuesday.
The company disclosed this in a statement released on Monday, September 22, 2025.
The deceased officials were: Jesutoni Shodipo (Compliance); Kehinde Adeoye (Compliance); Ndidi Osaemedike-Okeke (Trustee); Olumide Oyefodunrin (Compliance); Opeyemi Oloyede; and Rebecca Adenuga (Wealth).
No fewer than 10 employees died in the fire incident, including six from United Capital Plc and four others from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Earlier, United Capital Plc expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its staff in the tragic blaze.
The statement read in part: “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.”
The FIRS management had earlier, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, confirmed the loss of four of its staff: Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr. David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager), and Mr. Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).
One of the victims, Jatto, was reportedly at the office on the fateful day to hand over officially to his successor after being redeployed when the tragedy struck.
Emergency agencies revealed that the raging fire originated in the inverter room located in the basement of the building. Smoke spread quickly across multiple floors, engulfing the structure and trapping occupants.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through his spokesman Bayo Onanuga, urged caution, training, and alertness to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Tinubu extended condolences to Afriland Properties Limited, FIRS, UBA, and particularly the families of those who lost their lives, as well as to the injured still receiving treatment.
He praised the emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, medical personnel, first aiders, and members of the public for their swift intervention during evacuation efforts.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and speedy recovery for those injured.
