Three brothers, Stephen Omatu, 40, Casmir Omatu, 39, and Collins Omatu, 37, who tragically lost their lives in the Great Nigeria Insurance House fire incident in Lagos, have been laid to rest amid an atmosphere of profound grief and mourning. The devastating fire, which occurred on December 24, 2025, claimed the lives of the siblings after they were trapped inside the building, leaving them burnt beyond recognition. Their deaths have left family members, friends, and the community in deep sorrow, as the loss of three young men from the same family has been described as heartbreaking.
The GNI building, a commercial high-rise on Lagos Island, was primarily occupied by third-party tenants using the space as a market plaza for retail and warehouse storage. It housed a variety of goods, including clothing materials, shoes, bags, and jewellery. The fire, which erupted just hours before Christmas Day, quickly spread to adjacent structures, including a mosque and a nearby plaza, sending thick plumes of smoke across the Lagos skyline and causing widespread panic among nearby residents and business owners.
The incident sparked massive rescue and emergency response efforts, but sadly, the three brothers could not be saved. Reports suggest that the intensity of the blaze made it impossible for fire services to reach some parts of the building in time, leaving the siblings trapped inside. The tragedy highlighted the need for improved fire safety regulations and emergency response strategies in commercial high-rise buildings across Lagos.
Burial ceremony of the brothers
The family held the burial ceremony for the three brothers on 14th January 2026 in Ihiala, Anambra State. The somber event saw the gathering of close relatives, friends, and community members, all united in mourning and paying their last respects to the departed siblings. Emotional tributes and prayers were offered as the brothers were committed to the earth, with family members visibly overcome by grief at the loss of their loved ones.
In a video shared online, mourners could be seen consoling each other and expressing their sorrow, capturing the depth of the pain felt by the family. The burial was marked by heartfelt prayers for the repose of the brothers’ souls and for strength and resilience for those left behind. The ceremony also served as a reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact that such unexpected tragedies can have on families and communities.
Social media users have expressed condolences and shared tributes to the Omatu brothers, highlighting the tragic nature of the fire and the need for stricter safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Many commented on the extraordinary sorrow of losing three siblings in one incident, noting that the impact on their family and the wider community is immeasurable.
Watch the video below …
The late Onyeka, Nnabuike and Kenechukwu Omatu, three brothers who løst their lives in the f!re that gutted the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island on December 24, 2025, have been laid to rest today in Ihiala, Anambra State🕊️💔 https://t.co/A9dfTHBpxD pic.twitter.com/HHTE0708gG
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) January 14, 2026