The three Omatu brothers who died in the inferno that razed a 25-storey building known as Great Nigeria Insurance House in Lagos Island, Lagos State, will be buried on January 14.
It was reported that the fire incident, which occurred just hours before Christmas Day, spread rapidly to neighbouring buildings, including a mosque and a nearby plaza, sending thick plumes of smoke into the skyline.
The report revealed that one of the families deeply affected by this incident is the Omatu family, who lost three siblings: Steve (40), Casmir (39) and Collins (37), after they were trapped in the building and are believed to have died in the fire.
A surviving twin, Camillus Omatu, was said to have narrowly escaped the incident.
Providing an update on Monday, a sister of the brothers, Mimi Nonyerem, disclosed that the service of songs would be held on January 7 and would be followed by the burial on January 14.
In a Facebook post, Nonyerem wrote, “The burial date for our brothers has been scheduled for January 14th, 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 the obituary she posted, the service of songs will be held in Lagos State, while the burial will be held in Anambra State.
Nonyerem had on January 3 celebrated the posthumous birthday of one of her late brothers, Steve.
“Happy birthday, Uncle Steve. I will wake up from this dream,” she wrote.
“Happy birthday nwanne m Stephen Onyeka Omatu. Congratulations on your first birthday in heaven. May the angels and saints celebrate you, Amen,” another relative, William Omatu, posted.
According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated from an apartment on the fourth floor before rapidly escalating to the sixth floor and beyond.
Shop owners were reported to have fled in panic as the fire raged, while emergency responders battled for hours, extending to days, to contain the blaze.
As of last Monday, about 20 people were reportedly still trapped under the rubble, as relatives provided names and photographs of their affected loved ones.
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