Grief continues to envelop a family and their community following a devastating fire that claimed the lives of three brothers on Lagos Island. The siblings were among eight victims who perished when flames ripped through the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building on Martins Street.
A Tragic Search for Better Opportunities
The victims have been identified as Stephen Onyeka Omatu, 50; Casmir Nnabuike Omatu, 39; and Collins Kenechukwu Omatu, 37. All three hailed from Ihiala in Anambra State. According to family sources, the brothers had travelled to Lagos in pursuit of better economic prospects and were conducting business at Great Nigeria House, a commercial complex containing offices, shops, and warehouses.
The tragic incident occurred on December 24, 2025. Reports indicate the fire broke out suddenly and spread with terrifying speed through sections of the building. The rapid progression left many occupants with minimal opportunity to escape.
Panic and Trapped Victims
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the scene. People struggled desperately to flee as thick, choking smoke completely engulfed the structure. In the ensuing chaos and inferno, the Omatu brothers were among those who became trapped inside. Their bodies were later recovered by emergency responders after the blaze was finally brought under control.
This heartbreaking loss has once again thrust critical issues into the spotlight. Serious concerns have been reignited regarding fire safety protocols, emergency response capabilities, and building standards in Lagos's densely packed commercial districts. This area has witnessed similar fatal incidents in recent years, resulting in lost lives and destroyed livelihoods.
Community Mourning and Calls for Action
The brothers have been described by those who knew them as a close-knit, hardworking trio who were deeply committed to supporting both their immediate and extended family. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through their community.
Since the tragedy, a flood of condolence messages has arrived from within Anambra State and beyond. In their hometown of Ihiala, community associations, youth groups, and religious bodies have organized special prayer sessions to honour the memories of Stephen, Casmir, and Collins. These gatherings have also served as platforms to renew urgent calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in commercial buildings across Nigeria.
A service of songs was held in their honour on January 7, 2026, at the Jesus the Saviour Catholic Church in Bucknor Ejigbo, Lagos. The family has announced that the three brothers will be laid to rest in their ancestral home of Ihiala on January 14, 2026.
Preparations for the burial are currently underway, with relatives travelling from various parts of the country to pay their final respects. The ceremony is expected to be attended by traditional rulers and representatives from numerous community associations, underscoring the profound impact of this loss.
