The Omatu family has fixed January 14, 2026, for the burial of three brothers who lost their lives in the inferno that razed the Great Nigeria Insurance building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025.
The victims, identified as Stephen Onyeka Omatu, 50; Casmir Nnabuike Omatu, 39; and Collins Kenechukwu Omatu, 37, hailed from Ihiala in Anambra State and were among eight persons who died in the fire.
The brothers were said to be in Lagos in search of better economic opportunities and were reportedly carrying out business activities within the Great Nigeria House, a popular commercial hub housing offices, shops and warehouses.
Family sources disclosed that the fire started suddenly and spread rapidly through parts of the building, leaving occupants with little time to escape as thick smoke engulfed the premises.
Witnesses were said to have described frantic scenes as people struggled to find their way out, while emergency responders battled to contain the blaze.
The three siblings were reportedly trapped inside the building, and their bodies were recovered after firefighters eventually brought the fire under control.
The incident has renewed concerns over fire safety, emergency response and adherence to building regulations in Lagos’ crowded commercial areas, where similar tragedies have claimed lives in the past.
Those close to the family described the deceased as hardworking and closely knit, noting that they were committed to supporting both their immediate and extended family members.
Since the tragedy, condolence messages have continued to pour in from within and outside Anambra State, while community and religious groups in Ihiala have held prayer sessions in their honour.
A service of songs was held on January 7, 2026, at Jesus the Saviour Catholic Church, Bucknor Ejigbo, Lagos, in remembrance of the brothers.
The family said burial preparations were ongoing, with relatives arriving from different parts of the country, while traditional rulers and representatives of various associations are expected to attend the funeral in Ihiala.