Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has mourned the death of three brothers of Anambra descent who lost their lives in a devastating fire incident at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025.
The victims, described as businessmen operating within the affected facility, were identified as Mr. Steve Onyeka Omatu (40), Mr. Casmir Nnabuike Omatu (39), and Mr. Collins Kenechukwu Omatu (37). They were members of the Omatu family from Uzoakwa Community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
In a statement made available to journalists in Awka by his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo expressed condolences to all families who lost loved ones in the inferno.
“The Governor regrets that this catastrophic event, which transformed what should have been a joyous Christmas Eve into a night of unspeakable tragedy, has left numerous hearts heavy with grief,” the statement read.
Soludo described the deaths of the three brothers as a collective loss to Anambra State, noting that the young men were industrious citizens striving to earn an honest living for their families.
“The Governor is particularly devastated by the loss of three sons of Anambra State. Their deaths represent not just a family tragedy, but a painful loss to the entire state,” the statement added.
The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and urged their families to find strength to bear the irreparable loss. He also called on relevant authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and to put measures in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Governor Soludo further commended the efforts of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire Service, and other emergency responders for their swift intervention during the incident.
He advised Anambra citizens living in Lagos and other parts of the country to always prioritise personal safety and the preservation of human life over salvaging property in the event of fire outbreaks.
David-Chyddy Eleke, Awka
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