The Digest:
Three brothers, whose lives were intertwined in trade and family, were laid to rest in Anambra State on Wednesday, a final chapter to a tragedy that has exposed deep cracks in urban safety. Stephen, Casmir, and Collins Omatu, traders in their 30s and 40s, were among the 12 victims of the devastating December 24, 2025, fire at Lagos Island's 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House
Key Points:
- The three Omatu brothers died in a Christmas Eve fire at a Lagos Island high-rise.
- The fire originated on the fourth floor and caused a partial building collapse.
- No full bodies were recovered; only ashes were interred at the burial.
- The emotional Catholic service was held in Ihiala, Anambra State.
- Their surviving brother, Rev. Fr. William Omatu, broke down, criticising rescue delays.
- Former presidential candidate Peter Obi called the loss heartbreaking and urged better emergency services.
- The incident has triggered official safety audits and left traders with massive losses.
Sources: X (Peter Obi, OurFavOnlineDoc, CHUKS
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