By Sunny A. David, Awka

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fire outbreak in Lagos State that claimed the lives of three brothers from Anambra.

The victims died in a devastating inferno that occurred at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025. Burial rites for the brothers began on Wednesday.

The deceased were identified as Mr. Steve Onyeka Omatu (40), Mr. Casmir Nnabuike Omatu (39), and Mr. Collins Kenechukwu Omatu (37), all members of the Omatu family from Uzoakwa Community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

According to a burial poster obtained by The News Chronicle in Anambra, the brothers will be laid to rest on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Nze Omatu Ikwuamaeze compound, Umumgboma, Umuarugwu, Uzoakwa, Ihiala LGA.

In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo described the incident as heartbreaking and deeply painful, noting that the tragedy has thrown not only the affected families but the entire State into mourning.

The Governor commiserated with all families who lost loved ones in the inferno, lamenting that what should have been a joyful Christmas Eve turned into a night of immense sorrow and grief.

He described the deceased as hardworking young men who were striving to earn an honest living to support their families before their lives were abruptly cut short.

“Their deaths represent not only a devastating loss to their immediate family but also a collective loss to Anambra State, which has been deprived of promising and productive citizens,” Soludo said.

While commending the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire Service, and other emergency responders for their swift and tireless efforts during the rescue operation, the Governor 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.

Governor Soludo prayed for God to grant the bereaved families the strength to bear their irreparable loss and asked that the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.

He also called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and to ensure that adequate safety measures are put in place to prevent similar tragedies in the future.