By ALEX ENEBELI

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has expressed sadness over the losses at the recent fire outbreak at the 22-storey Great Nigerian Insurance Building on Lagos Island and Nigerian Army Shopping Complex.

This is contained in a statement issued by Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Thursday in Enugu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fire incident which occurred on Dec. 24, 2025, claimed lives and led to the destruction of property and goods worth several billions of Naira.

Chukwu said the organisation was equally disturbed by another unfortunate fire incident that occurred at the Nigerian Army Shopping Complex, popularly known as Arena Market at Bolade, Oshodi, in the early days of the new year.

He added that the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Sen. Azuta Mbata, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, business owners and all those affected by the tragic incident.

The national publicity secretary said that Mbata described the loss as painful and devastating, not only to the immediate victims but to the nation’s economy as a whole.

“These recurring fire disasters highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive review and strengthening of emergency response infrastructure, fire safety preparedness and market safety mechanisms across the country.

“Markets remain the lifeline of millions of Nigerians and must be adequately protected through proactive planning, functional firefighting facilities and effective coordination among emergency agencies.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide calls on relevant authorities at all levels of government to treat these incidents as a wake-up call and take immediate steps to prevent future occurrences.

“Prominent amongst actions to take is the mandatory addition of fire containment features in the construction of market stalls,” he said.

He, however, prayed for the repose of those that died in the incident. (NAN)