The three siblings who died in a fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, were on Wednesday buried in their hometown of Uzoakwa community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The victims, Steve Omatu (40), Casmir Omatu (39), and Collins Omatu (37), lost their lives on December 24, 2025, after they were trapped in the burning high-rise building.
A member of the family, Camillus Omatu, was said to have escaped from the inferno, while his three brothers died in the incident, which threw the family and community into mourning.
Before their interment, a service of songs and Requiem Mass was held in honour of the deceased at Jesus the Saviour Catholic Church, Ejigbo, Lagos, on January 7.
The burial ceremony in Ihiala attracted family members, relatives and sympathisers, including a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, the lawmaker representing Ihiala Federal Constituency, Pascal Agbodike, and other prominent sons and daughters of the area.
Speaking during the burial, Obi expressed deep sympathy with the bereaved family, particularly the widows and children left behind.
Obi said, “We have no power to question God Almighty. He is the one who gives and takes.
“I am here in person to console you all, particularly the young widows and your children. It is very painful to lose such energetic and promising young men at this time.”
He described the loss as devastating and prayed for divine strength for the family.
“It’s painful. 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,” he added.
Obi also urged the people of Anambra State and Nigerians at large to continue to remember the bereaved family in their prayers as they come to terms with the tragic loss.
