Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic losses recorded during recent fire outbreaks in Lagos, describing the incidents as a serious national concern that demands urgent action.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Enugu, the National Publicity Secretary of the organisation, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, said Ohanaeze was particularly saddened by the fire incident at the 22-storey Great Nigerian Insurance Building on Lagos Island, as well as the inferno that gutted the Nigerian Army Shopping Complex, popularly known as Arena Market, at Bolade, Oshodi.
The fire, which occurred on December 24, 2025, reportedly claimed lives and destroyed properties and goods estimated to be worth several billions of naira. Another outbreak followed in the early days of the new year at the Army shopping complex, compounding losses for traders and business owners.
Chukwu stated that the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, affected traders, and all victims of the tragic fire disasters.
According to him, Mbata described the incidents as painful and devastating, noting that beyond individual losses, the repeated fire outbreaks pose a serious threat to the nation’s economy.
“These recurring fire disasters underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive review and strengthening of emergency response infrastructure, fire safety preparedness, and market safety mechanisms across the country,” Chukwu said.
He stressed that markets remain the economic lifeline for millions of Nigerians and must be adequately safeguarded through proactive planning, functional firefighting equipment, and effective coordination among emergency response agencies.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide therefore called on relevant authorities at all levels of government to treat the recent fire incidents as a wake-up call and take immediate steps to prevent future occurrences.
Among the key recommendations, the organisation advocated for the mandatory incorporation of fire containment and safety features in the construction of market stalls and commercial buildings nationwide.
The National Publicity Secretary concluded by offering prayers for the repose of the souls of those who died in the fire incidents and urged swift policy and operational reforms to avert similar tragedies in the future.
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