Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of three brothers who perished in the December 24, 2025 fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance building on Lagos Island.
In a post shared on X on Thursday, Obi said he attended the burial of the siblings—Stephen Onyeka Omatu, Casmir Nnabuike Omatu, and Collins Kenechukwu Omatu—in their hometown of Uzoakwa, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. He described the moment as “deeply emotional and heartbreaking.”
“It is almost impossible to describe the depth of this tragedy,” Obi wrote, lamenting that the young men were trapped in the burning building and sent distress calls for help, but no emergency services came to their rescue.
“For days, these young men sent distressing pleas for help while trapped in the building, yet there were no emergency services to rescue them. Several days passed before their bodies were eventually recovered from the rubble. This is not just a personal loss for their family, it is a national loss,” he added.
Call for Stronger Emergency Response
Obi said the incident should serve as a wake-up call for Nigeria to strengthen its emergency response systems.
“Our emergency services must be improved and made accessible to every citizen. Every life matters, and no Nigerian should ever have to endure such neglect or be left to perish in such a gruesome way while help could have been provided,” he stressed.
He prayed for the souls of the brothers to rest in peace and asked God to grant their family strength and comfort. “May we never forget them, and may we be moved to ensure such a tragedy never happens again,” Obi concluded.
Burial in Ihiala
The remains of the three brothers—Steve (40), Casmir (39), and Collins (37)—were laid to rest on January 14 in Uzoakwa community amid tears and grief.
Family sources said the intensity of the inferno made rescue efforts impossible, and only ashes were recovered for burial.
A service of songs and Requiem Mass had earlier been held at Jesus the Saviour Catholic Church, Ejigbo, Lagos, on January 7.
Dignitaries at the burial included Obi, Ihiala Federal Constituency lawmaker Pascal Agbodike, and other mourners.
In his condolence message, Obi said: “We have no power to question God Almighty. He is the one who gives and takes. It is very painful to lose such energetic and promising young men at this time. My prayer is for God Almighty to grant them eternal rest in His kingdom, and also give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
The burial brought sorrow to Ihiala, with residents praying for the family’s strength. Emotions ran high as widows, relatives, and friends wept openly, describing the loss as “an unimaginable nightmare and the greatest shock of their lives.”
The fire, which began on the fourth floor of the Lagos building, spread rapidly to adjoining structures.
A detached seven-floor section collapsed during the blaze, trapping traders and market assistants.
The Omatu family was among the worst affected, losing three brothers, while a surviving twin, Camillus Omatu, managed to escape.
Family member Mimi Nonyerem confirmed that the service of songs was held on January 7, with the burial following on January 14.
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