Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has expressed profound grief over the tragic deaths of three siblings from the state in a devastating fire outbreak in Lagos. The incident, which occurred on Christmas Eve, has cast a shadow of mourning over their community and the entire state.
A Festive Night Turned Tragic
The fire erupted on December 24, 2025, at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island. The victims were identified as three brothers from Uzoakwa Community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State: Steve Onyeka Omatu (40), Mr Casmir Nnabuike Omatu (39), and Mr Collins Kenechukwu Omatu (37).
In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Governor Soludo lamented that the catastrophic event transformed what should have been a joyous Christmas celebration into a night of unspeakable tragedy. He described the deceased as industrious young men who were striving to build a better life for their families.
Governor's Call for Safety and Investigation
Governor Soludo extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Omatu family and all affected by the disaster. He emphasized that the loss was not just a personal family tragedy but a collective loss to Anambra State, which had been robbed of its vibrant and hardworking sons.
The Governor used the somber occasion to issue a crucial safety advisory to citizens. He urged people to always prioritize human life and personal safety over attempting to recover property during a fire outbreak. Furthermore, Soludo called on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the inferno. He stressed the need for appropriate measures to be implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Ongoing Recovery and Burial Plans
The tragedy unfolded as the brothers were reportedly trapped after a section of the multi-storey building collapsed. Recovery operations continued for days after the initial blaze, with the Lagos State Government confirming the retrieval of additional bodies from the site.
Meanwhile, the Omatu family has been plunged into deep mourning. A sister of the deceased, Mimi Nonyerem, has shared details of the burial arrangements for the three siblings, which will take place in their home state of Anambra. The community now prepares to lay to rest the three lives cut short in the prime of their years.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety protocols, especially in densely populated commercial areas, and has sparked renewed conversations about building safety standards and emergency response effectiveness in major Nigerian cities.
