Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has expressed deep sorrow over the death of three brothers from the state who lost their lives in the Lagos Island fire outbreak on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025.
The inferno, which gutted the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, turned what should have been a season of joy into a moment of profound grief, the governor said.
In a condolence message issued by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, Soludo commiserated with the families of all the victims, describing the incident as a painful tragedy that has left many hearts heavy with sorrow.
He said he was particularly devastated by the death of Mr Steve Omatu (40), Mr Casmir Omatu (39) and Mr Collins Omatu (37), three brothers from the Omatu family of Uzoakwa community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“These industrious young men were only striving to earn an honest living for their families, yet they were taken in the most tragic circumstances,” Soludo said, noting that their passing is not only a loss to their family but also to Anambra State.
The governor commended the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Lagos State Fire Service and other emergency responders for their swift intervention in rescuing victims and containing the fire.
He also advised Anambra residents living in Lagos and other parts of the country to always prioritise human life and personal safety over property during fire incidents.
Soludo prayed for God to grant the bereaved families the strength to bear the loss and called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and put measures in place to prevent a recurrence.