Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of three siblings in a fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025. The deceased, Steve Onyeka Omatu (40), Casmir Nnabuike Omatu (39), and Collins Kenechukwu Omatu (37), hailed from Uzoakwa Community in Ihiala Local Government Area.
In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Soludo described the fire as a catastrophic event that turned what should have been a festive Christmas Eve into a night of grief for the families and the wider community. “These industrious young men, who were simply striving to earn an honest living for their families, have been taken from us in the most tragic circumstances. Their loss represents not just a family tragedy but a collective loss to Anambra State,” he said.
The governor urged citizens to prioritise human life over property during fire incidents and called on authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the blaze. He emphasised that steps must be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future, highlighting the need for improved safety measures in residential and commercial buildings.
The Omatu family has announced burial arrangements for the three brothers in Anambra State. According to their sister, Mimi Nonyerem, the siblings died after being trapped in the collapsed GNI building, which was estimated to be seven floors high. Lagos State authorities confirmed that emergency responders rescued several injured victims, with eight males hospitalised and others treated on-site. Recovery operations continued in the days following the incident as investigations into the fire’s cause remained ongoing.
Governor Soludo’s condolence message underscores the human cost of the tragedy while stressing the importance of safety and accountability to prevent future incidents.
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