A somber service of songs has been announced for three brothers who lost their lives in a devastating fire that engulfed the Great Nigeria Insurance House in Balogun, Lagos. The tragic incident, which occurred just before Christmas, claimed multiple lives after the blaze led to a building collapse.
The Tragic Incident at Great Nigeria Insurance House
The fire broke out on Wednesday, December 24, trapping numerous traders inside the commercial building. In a horrific turn of events, the intensity of the fire caused a section of the structure to collapse. This collapse tragically trapped more people who were in the process of evacuating their goods in a desperate attempt to minimize financial losses.
Remembering the Omatu Brothers
Among those who did not survive the inferno were three brothers from the same family. They have been identified as Stephen Onyeka Omatu, Casmir Nnabuike Omatu, and Collins Kenechukwu Omatu. Reports indicate that the trio were orphans, making their loss even more poignant for the community.
The brothers leave behind a grieving family, including two sisters and two other brothers. Notably, one of their surviving brothers is a Catholic Priest. The family has arranged a service of songs to be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, to honor their memory.
Community in Mourning
The fire at the Great Nigeria Insurance House has sent shockwaves through the Balogun business district and beyond. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of fire safety in densely populated commercial areas of Lagos. The loss of the Omatu brothers, young men who were reportedly trying to salvage their livelihood, underscores the human cost of such disasters.
As the community prepares to gather for the solemn service of songs, the focus remains on supporting the bereaved family and reflecting on the urgent need for improved safety measures to prevent future tragedies of this scale.
