Family mourns, fixes burial date for three brothers who died in Lagos Island fire

Grief has continued to envelop the Omatu family following the death of three brothers who were among the eight victims of the devastating fire that engulfed the Great Nigeria Insurance, GNI, building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025.

The deceased: Stephen Onyeka Omatu, 50, Casmir Nnabuike Omatu, 39, and Collins Kenechukwu Omatu, 37, were natives of Ihiala in Anambra State.

They were in Lagos pursuing economic opportunities and were reportedly conducting business within the Great Nigeria House, a busy commercial complex comprising offices, shops and warehouses.

According to family members, the fire broke out unexpectedly and spread swiftly through sections of the building, leaving occupants with limited opportunity to escape.

Witnesses recounted chaotic scenes as thick smoke filled the structure and people desperately attempted to flee.

The three brothers were among those trapped inside, and their remains were recovered after firefighters brought the blaze under control.

The tragedy has once again drawn attention to persistent concerns over fire safety, emergency preparedness and compliance with building regulations in Lagos’ densely populated commercial districts, where similar incidents have repeatedly resulted in loss of lives and property.

Those who knew the Omatu brothers described them as hardworking, closely bonded and dedicated to the welfare of their immediate and extended family.

Since the incident, sympathisers from within and outside Anambra State have continued to send condolence messages.

Community groups, youth organisations and religious bodies in Ihiala have held prayer sessions in their memory, while also renewing calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards in commercial buildings.

A service of songs was held in their honor on January 7, 2026, at Jesus the Saviour Catholic Church, Bucknor Ejigbo, Lagos.

The family announced that the brothers will be buried on January 14, 2026, in their hometown of Ihiala.

Burial preparations are ongoing, with relatives arriving from different parts of the country to pay their final respects.

Traditional rulers and representatives of various associations are also expected to attend the funeral rites.