Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed profound sadness over the devastating fire incident that claimed the lives of three Anambra brothers in Lagos State.
The three brothers, whose burial rites commenced on Wednesday, died in the tragic incident, which occurred at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025.
The victims were Mr. Steve Onyeka Omatu (40), Mr. Casmir Nnabuike Omatu (39), and Mr. Collins Kenechukwu Omatu (37), all brothers from the Omatu family of Uzoakwa Community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
A burial poster obtained by the News Chronicle correspondent in Anambra, showed that the victims will be buried on Wednesday, 14th January, 2026, at Nze Omatu Ikwuamaeze compound at Umumgboma, Umuarugwu, Uzoakwa, Ihiala in Ihiala LGA of the state.
In a statement issued by his press secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, 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.
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.
“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,” he said.
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.
