Three siblings killed in Lagos Island Christmas Eve fire set for burial

Grief continues to weigh heavily on the Omatu family following the death of three brothers who were among the eight victims of the devastating fire that gutted the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) 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, were natives of Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The brothers were said to be in Lagos in search of better economic opportunities and were carrying out business activities within the Great Nigeria House at the time of the incident.

Great Nigeria House is a major commercial complex housing offices, shops and warehouses, and is usually busy with traders and workers.

According to family sources, the fire broke out without warning and spread rapidly through parts of the building, leaving many occupants with little chance to escape.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as thick smoke engulfed the structure, forcing people to flee in different directions.

Amid the confusion, the three Omatu brothers were reportedly trapped inside the building. Their remains were later recovered after firefighters succeeded in bringing the inferno under control.

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The incident has once again raised serious concerns about fire safety, emergency response systems and adherence to building regulations in Lagos’ densely populated commercial areas, where similar tragedies have claimed lives and destroyed property in the past.

Family members and associates described the late brothers as industrious, closely knit and deeply committed to supporting both their immediate and extended family. Since their passing, condolence messages have continued to pour in from sympathisers within Anambra State and beyond.

In Ihiala, community groups, youth organisations and religious bodies have organised prayer sessions in their memory, while also using the tragedy to renew calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards in commercial buildings across the country.

A service of songs in honour of the deceased was held on January 7, 2026, at Jesus the Saviour Catholic Church, Bucknor Ejigbo, Lagos. The family has announced that the three brothers will be laid to rest on January 14, 2026, in their hometown of Ihiala.

Preparations for the burial are ongoing, with relatives arriving from different parts of Nigeria to pay their last respects. Traditional rulers, community leaders and representatives of various associations are also expected to attend the funeral ceremonies.