The three Omatu brothers who died in the fire that gutted the Great Nigeria Insurance House (GNI) on Lagos Island, Lagos State, will be buried on January 14 in Ihiala, Anambra State.
The fire broke out on December 24, 2025, at the multi-storey plaza.
It started on the fourth floor, spread to the sixth floor and later extended to other parts of the building and adjoining structures.
During the incident, a section of the building, estimated at about seven floors, collapsed, trapping traders and market assistants.
The Omatu family lost three brothers identified as Stephen Omatu, 40, Casmir Omatu, 39 and Collins Omatu, 37.
The brothers were said to have been trapped inside the building and died in the fire.
A fourth brother, Camillus Omatu, reportedly escaped.
Giving an update on the burial arrangements, a relative, Mimi Nonyerem, said the burial would take place on January 14, one week after a service of songs scheduled for January 7.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Nonyerem wrote, “The burial date for our brothers has been scheduled for January 14, 2026. I humbly request your prayers for divine protection over my family. If you are in Ihiala, Anambra State, your presence would be greatly appreciated.”
According to an obituary shared by the family, the service of songs and a requiem mass will hold in Lagos State, while the burial ceremony will take place in Uzoakwa Community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
On January 3, Nonyerem marked the posthumous birthday of Stephen Omatu. “Happy birthday, Uncle Steve. I will wake up from this dream,” she wrote.
Another relative, William Omatu, also posted, “Happy birthday, nwannem Stephen Onyeka Omatu. Congratulations on your first birthday in heaven. May the angels and saints celebrate you.”
Apart from the Omatu brothers, another family also lost two sons in the incident.
Chuwuebuka Omeigbo and Chukwudubem Omeigbo were said to have rushed to the market to evacuate their goods after the fire started but were trapped when part of the building collapsed.
At least eight people were confirmed dead in the fire at the Great Nigeria Insurance House.
A Catholic priest, Ejike Mbaka, during a church service in Enugu State, prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for the family.
Priest Mbaka said one of the brothers was preparing to relocate to the United Kingdom in January.
He added that the brothers were doing business in the building and that the surviving brother later attempted to rescue them but was prevented by a fallen pillar and smoke from the structure.
“He helplessly watched his three siblings burn to ashes,” the cleric said in Igbo.
