A devastating fire incident occurred at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025, resulting in the loss of lives and property. Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has expressed condolences to the families of the victims, particularly the Omatu family, who lost three brothers in the tragedy.
The brothers, Mr. Steve Onyeka Omatu, 40, Mr. Casmir Nnabuike Omatu, 39, and Mr. Collins Kenechukwu Omatu, 37, were businessmen of Anambra descent who operated in the affected facility. They hailed from the Uzoakwa Community in Ihiala Local Government Area. The governor’s Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, released a statement quoting Soludo as commiserating with the families of the victims and describing the event as a “catastrophic” incident that turned a joyous Christmas Eve into a night of tragedy.
Governor Soludo is particularly saddened by the loss of the three young men, who were striving to earn an honest living for their families. He noted that their death represents not only a family tragedy but also a collective loss to Anambra State. The governor has prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in peace and wished the affected families the strength to bear and recover from their losses.
The governor has also called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and urged the relevant authorities to take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. He commended the response of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire Service, and other emergency responders who worked tirelessly to rescue victims and contain the situation.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing human life and personal safety in the event of a fire outbreak. Governor Soludo advised Anambra citizens residing in Lagos and other parts of the country to always put their safety first when responding to emergency situations. The governor’s message emphasizes the need for vigilance and prompt action to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
