Three Brothers Kïlled in Lagos High-Rise Fire Laid to Rest in Anambra Amid Tèars

Three brothers who died in the devastating December 24, 2025, fire at the Great Nigeria Insurance House in Lagos were laid to rest in their hometown of Uzoakwa, Anambra State, on Wednesday. The deceased are Mr. Steve Onyeka Omatu (40), Mr. Casmir Nnabuike Omatu (39), and Mr. Collins Kenechukwu Omatu (37).

The siblings were trapped inside the burning Martins Street high-rise as the fire rapidly spread upward from the fourth floor, making rescue impossible; only ashes were recovered for burial.

The somber funeral drew a large gathering of family, friends, community members, and dignitaries. Notable attendees included former presidential candidate Peter Obi and lawmaker Pascal Agbodike. Obi offered prayers for the souls of the departed and strength for the grieving families, noting the pain of losing “such energetic and promising young men.”

The tragedy has deeply shocked the Ihiala community, with mourners dressed in black visibly struggling with the immense loss. A surviving twin brother, Camillus Omatu, escaped the blaze, leaving the Omatu family as one of the hardest hit. A requiem mass was held earlier in Lagos.

This disaster has reignited urgent public concerns about fire safety standards and emergency response capabilities in Lagos, as the nation mourns the victims and hopes for improved preventive measures.