A Nigerian Catholic priest has shared the devastating aftermath for his family after a tragic fire claimed the lives of his three brothers in Lagos. The incident has left the family in mourning and struggling to cope with immense loss.
A Family Shattered by Tragedy
The fire occurred at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island on December 24, 2025. It claimed the lives of three siblings: Stephen Onyeka Omatu, 40; Casmir Nnabuike Omatu, 39; and Collins Kenechukwu Omatu, 37. Reverend Father James Anyaegbu recounted a conversation with the surviving brother, Father William Omatu, who is also a Catholic priest.
Father William revealed the grim reality that the bodies of his brothers could not be recovered. The family was left with only ashes, which the priest collected from the site himself. This heartbreaking detail comes despite government claims that no lives were lost in the incident.
Dreams Deferred and a Painful Anniversary
The tragedy is compounded by personal dreams cut short and a painful family history. Collins Omatu, a twin, was awaiting approval of his student visa to begin studies in the United Kingdom in January 2026. His twin brother managed to escape the fire but lost his means of livelihood in the blaze.
Father Anyaegbu noted the cruel timing of the event. The day the fire happened, December 24, also marked 28 years since the brothers' mother died in an accident. This double tragedy has left the two surviving brothers to pick up the pieces.
A Larger Tragedy Unfolds
Beyond the personal loss, Father William Omatu shared a staggering claim with his colleague. He stated that about 100 people are believed to have died in the building fire. If accurate, this would mark one of the most deadly fire incidents in recent Lagos history.
The Omatu brothers will be laid to rest on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Father Anyaegbu has called for prayers for the grieving family as they travel for the burial and navigate this profound loss. He also expressed hope that the mainstream media would give attention to this tragic story, which highlights significant safety concerns.
The community is now left to mourn Stephen, Casimir, and Collins, while questions linger about the true scale of the disaster at the Great Nigeria Insurance House.
