By Titus Eleweke, South East Editor
ANAMBRA, Nigeria – The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has expressed profound sadness over the devastating fire incident in Lagos State that claimed the lives of three Anambra indigenes.
Governor Soludo described the tragedy as heartbreaking and deeply painful, noting that the loss has plunged not only the affected families but the entire Anambra State into mourning.
The victims were Mr. Steve Onyeka Omatu (40), Mr. Casmir Nnabuike Omatu (39), and Mr. Collins Kenechukwu Omatu (37) and were brothers from the Omatu family of Uzoakwa Community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, the Governor said the tragic incident occurred at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025.
Governor Soludo commiserated with all families who lost loved ones in the unfortunate inferno, lamenting that the catastrophic event turned what should have been a joyous Christmas Eve into a night of unspeakable sorrow and grief.
According to the Governor, the deceased were industrious young men who were simply striving to earn an honest living to support their families before their lives were cut short in the most tragic circumstances.
He noted that their deaths represent not only a devastating loss to their immediate family but also a collective loss to Anambra State, as the state has been deprived of promising and productive citizens.
While commending the swift response and tireless efforts of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire Service, and other emergency responders who worked to rescue victims and contain the fire, Governor Soludo also advised Anambra citizens living in Lagos and other parts of the country to always prioritise human life and personal safety over the recovery of property during fire outbreaks.
The Governor prayed for God to grant the bereaved families the strength and fortitude to bear their irreparable losses and asked that the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.
He further called on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and to ensure that appropriate safety measures are implemented to prevent similar tragic occurrences in the future.
