The Omatu family has announced burial arrangements for three brothers who died in the December 24, 2025 fire that swept through the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.
The victims — Stephen Onyeka Omatu, 50; Casmir Nnabuike Omatu, 39; and Collins Kenechukwu Omatu, 37 — were among the eight people who lost their lives in the inferno. The brothers were natives of Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Family members said the men had travelled to Lagos in search of better economic opportunities and were engaged in business activities within the Great Nigeria House, a bustling commercial complex housing offices, shops and warehouses.
According to eyewitness accounts, the fire broke out suddenly and spread rapidly through parts of the building, leaving many occupants with little time to escape. Thick smoke reportedly filled the structure as panic-stricken occupants struggled to find exits.
The three brothers were among those trapped inside the building. Their remains were recovered after firefighters eventually brought the blaze under control.
The incident has once again highlighted longstanding concerns about fire safety, emergency response and adherence to building regulations in Lagos Island’s densely packed commercial districts, where similar fires have repeatedly resulted in loss of lives and property.
Relatives and associates described the Omatu brothers as hardworking and closely knit, noting that they were deeply committed to supporting both their immediate and extended family.
Since the tragedy, condolence messages have continued to pour in from within and outside Anambra State. Community leaders, youth groups and religious organisations in Ihiala have also held prayer sessions in their memory, while renewing calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards in commercial buildings.
A service of songs was held in honour of the deceased on January 7, 2026, at Jesus the Saviour Catholic Church, Bucknor Ejigbo, Lagos.
The family announced that the brothers will be laid to rest on January 14, 2026, in their hometown of Ihiala. Burial preparations are ongoing, with relatives arriving from different parts of the country, while traditional rulers and representatives of various organisations are expected to attend the funeral rites.
