By Micheal Chukwuebuka, Reporting
ANAMBRA State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating fire incident at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, which claimed the lives of some indigenes of the state on December 24, 2025.
In a letter of commiseration signed by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, the Governor condoled with the families of the victims, describing the inferno as a catastrophic incident that turned what should have been a joyous Christmas celebration into a moment of unspeakable tragedy.
Soludo said the incident had left many families and communities overwhelmed with grief, noting that he was particularly pained by the loss of three sons of Anambra State — Mr Steve Onyeka Omatu (40), Mr Casmir Nnabuike Omatu (39), and Mr Collins Kenechukwu Omatu (37).
The deceased were brothers from the Omatu family of Uzoakwa Community in Ihiala Local Government Area.
“These industrious young men, who were only striving to earn an honest living for their families, were taken from us under the most tragic circumstances,” the Governor said. “Their deaths represent not only a profound family loss but also a collective loss to Anambra State.”
He commended the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire Service and other emergency responders for their prompt intervention and tireless efforts in rescuing victims and containing the fire.
The Governor also advised Anambra indigenes living in Lagos and other parts of the country to always place the value of human life and personal safety above the recovery of property or goods during fire outbreaks.
Soludo further sympathised with the wife of a China-based businessman who also lost his life in the inferno while attempting to salvage his merchandise.
“I pray that God grants all the affected families the strength to bear and recover from their irreparable losses, and that the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,” he said.
He called on the relevant authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and to put in place effective measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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