As The Christmas decorations glowed throughout Lagos as families got ready for the holiday spirit, but sorrow struck at the center of the city.
On the night of December 24, 2025, fire spread rapidly through a 25-floor structure called Great Nigeria Insurance Building located on Martins Street, Lagos Island, transforming an expected festive occasion into a scene of terror and disorder.
The GNI structure served as a commercial skyscraper mainly utilized by various external businesses as a marketplace for retail operations and warehousing, particularly for goods like fabric, footwear, accessories, and adornments.
A fire erupted mere hours before Christmas Day, quickly spreading to adjacent structures such as a mosque and an adjoining square, causing dense columns of smoke to rise into the sky.
A report published on December 25 stated that the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency mentioned initial findings indicated the fire started in an apartment located on the fourth floor, quickly spreading to the sixth floor and higher.
Retailers ran away in fear as the fire burned fiercely, while rescue workers fought for many hours, stretching into days, to bring the flames under control.
When the fire was eventually subdued, the joyful atmosphere that had previously animated the streets gave way to disbelief, sorrow, and enduring queries from business owners who managed to survive the event, along with loved ones of those who perished.
PUNCH Metro noted that at least 20 individuals remained buried beneath the debris up until last Monday, with family members supplying names and images of those impacted.
Among the recognized victims are Elo Chukwu, Omeigbo Chuwuebuka, Omeigbo Chukwudubem, Kayode Omoniyi, Ikechukwudi Asobi, and Murphy Aborinwa.
Other individuals include Onyeka Obinwa, Mercy Ukamaka, and Taofeeq Opera, along with a merchant known as Chiding and two of his companions.
Nevertheless, LASEMA told Sunday PUNCH that several traders who got stuck inside the structure were those who dismissed alerts and focused mainly on retrieving their merchandise.
A household shattered by sorrow A clan divided by loss A kinship fractured by mourning A family broken by sadness A group of relatives separated due to despair
A family significantly impacted by this event is the Omatu household. Three brothers from the family—Steve (40), Casmir (39), and Collins (37)—were caught inside the structure and are thought to have perished in the blaze.
Three siblings originating from the Uzoakwa community within the Ihiala local government area of Anambra State reportedly became stuck while attempting to retrieve their possessions as the fire broke out.
In a widely shared WhatsApp In a voice message, Precious Okoro, a woman who introduced herself as an older sibling to the three children, sounded the alert stating that her brothers remained inside the structure and implored officials to guarantee their safe extraction.
A twin who survived, Camillus Omatu, reportedly managed to escape barely and has been spearheading attempts to find the missing individuals.
A sibling of the Omatu brothers, Mimi Nonyerem, stated, "In March 2023, a fire broke out at Plaza 32 Balogun Market, impacting my brothers' store. This led them to move to the Great Nigeria House. Regrettably, they incurred damages during the fire that same year."
Resolute in regaining what they had lost, they put in relentless effort to restore their enterprise. This incident probably shaped their choice to meticulously gather everything they owned during the blaze at Great Nigeria House. Unbeknownst to them, this action would eventually lead to their tragic end. May the spirits of May Casmir, Kene (Collins), and Uncle Steve rest peacefully for eternity. In the next world, they shall always be considered my siblings.
In a post after Nonyerem shared on Facebook On December 30, accompanied by a video filmed at the location of the event, she alleged that the Lagos State government claimed it lacks the necessary tools to save individuals stuck in the burning structure and refuses to endanger lives.
"They claim that only Julius Berger Nigeria is capable of managing the rescue mission. Police continue to use tear gas to keep people away from the structure. If the government does not have the proper tools to save those inside, why allow skyscrapers within the state?" she asked.
Adding further information about the events, another family member of the Omatu brothers, Mr. Emmanuel Anumba, stated that following several days spent looking for the victims, they entered the building with help from scavengers who were reportedly present to purchase scrap metal.
"It was found that all remains were burned so severely they could not be identified. We opted to collect ash from the affected zone for their interment. Following the incident, the surviving sibling (Camillus) has been working with relevant parties to explore the possibility of evacuating the collapsed section of the structure, which led to people being stuck inside the building. However, every attempt failed because the Lagos State Government stated there were no reported casualties," he said to Sahara Reporters.
Anumba further claimed that the government and emergency services did not carry out an effective evacuation, stating that employees at the location lacked "a feeling of urgency" as well as sufficient tools to remove rubble from the collapsed section, which had obstructed escape paths.
"For several days, no one came to assist us. We continuously pleaded with authorities, yet they acted as though there was no urgent situation. Lagos State continues to claim that no deaths were reported, but how can they make such a statement when we had to carry the remains of our own family members?" he questioned.
The Sunday PUNCH reported that the Omatu family reportedly decided to officially announce the deaths of Casmir, Collins, and Steve.
It is said this action was taken to prevent the emotional burden of going through an extended DNA identification procedure for the unidentifiable bodies found among the debris, a move that sources pointed out might have reignited painful memories.
Providing an update on January 1, Nonyerem thanked everyone for their support but acknowledged the passing of her siblings.
She asked for ongoing prayer support for her family, stating, "I am grateful for everyone's encouragement. Regrettably, my brothers are no longer here. I sincerely ask that you add our family to your daily prayers. May we all avoid such tragedies in the name of Jesus, Amen."
In a series of Facebook Reels watched by Sunday PUNCH, Nonyerem also posted clips showing Steve happily dancing at a gathering with another family member.
In a single message, she stated, "Uncle Steve, do you recall that January 3rd is your birthday? How should we commemorate it?" In another video, she continued, "Happy Birthday, Uncle Steve. I don't wish to call it a 'posthumous' birthday since I still have hope that I'll awaken from this dream someday."
‘Nigeria failed them’
A companion of the Omatu brothers, Anthony Ejepu, expressed the sorrow that burdened his heart at the start of the year, asserting that Nigeria let the siblings down during their hour of need.
In a rational society where life is cherished, this would have constituted a national crisis. Helicopters would have been sent into action, alarms would have sounded, and an organized search-and-rescue operation would have begun.
In those regions, my three childhood companions or brothers, with whom I once shared aspirations and hardships, may still be alive now. However, here, as they met their end, officials were preoccupied with joyous festivities, unaware of the tragedy taking place.
"The tragedy did not conclude with their passing; instead, it continued through the suffering of their funeral. The sorrow is complete, overwhelming, which compelled the family to face the hardest choice to bring an end to this ordeal. We were unable to locate them. The truth is far too painful to express," Ejepu stated.
Additionally responding to the event, Kingsley Agulonye stated, "As a nation, we let them down at the critical moment. While they watched, before assistance arrived, Nigeria had already occurred."
A minor fire grew into a devastating incident resulting in the death of people. Valuable lives were turned into ash due to the absence of an effective emergency system, and even in areas where such a system was supposed to be present, typical Nigerian apathy and neglect became evident.
Likewise, an X user, Dr Olufunmilayo Ogunsanya (@OurFavOnlineDoc), expressed sorrow over the fact that the siblings were stuck inside the structure for seven days before it ignited.
"For seven days, they received no assistance. The government was unable to rescue them. We attempted to sound the warning, yet human lives hold little worth in this nation. We saw them perish. Steve Omatu Kenechukwu Omatu Casmir Omatu, I am deeply sorry, my brothers. We let you down. Nigeria let you down. May you now discover lasting tranquility," he stated.
A different X user, Oziegbe Odion, referred to the demise of at least five verified fatalities and several individuals stuck in the event as revealing "a breakdown in fundamental safeguards."
He further stated that Lagos officials should take firm action, look into issues such as inadequate storage and structural planning, provide compensation to affected families, and implement safety improvements, in order to prevent subsequent disasters and ensure fairness.
Government visits site, reacts
A LASEMA representative who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak informed Sunday PUNCH
When the fire happened, officials advised individuals to avoid returning to the area to prevent further complications. However, people chose differently, deciding to continue entering the structure.
"Some individuals went there with intentions of stealing and looting items, while others truly aimed to retrieve their own possessions. The organization did everything possible and attempted to warn people about potential dangers, yet they ultimately made their own decision," the source disclosed.
On December 25, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made his initial visit to the GNI construction site to express condolences to the families of those affected and individuals who suffered property loss due to the fire.
Once more, on January 2, he went to the location and verified eight fatalities, including five individuals who have been recognized, whereas three are still unknown.
Thirteen individuals have been saved up to now. An information center has been set up on location. Those needing help or details should contact officials from LASEMA, NEMA, LASBCA, and the additional organizations involved.
The whole region is still dangerous. No businesses or unauthorized actions should occur there. The marketplace has been shut down, allowing only emergency personnel access to the location. Rescue crews keep meticulously searching through the debris, mainly at the back of the structure, to confirm that nobody is still stuck.
"This disaster acts as a sorrowful reminder of the threats associated with specific activities near the marketplace. The improper usage of generators and building stores close to electrical transformers greatly heightened the hazards in this region," Sanwo-Olu stated.
The leader mentioned that after completing a comprehensive structural assessment, the GNI building will be torn down with the most secure techniques available.
"Some nearby structures will have to be taken down as well. Although these choices are tough, we need to put the safety of human life first. My thoughts go out to each family impacted. I am dedicated to supervising the recovery efforts and making sure we act properly for our community," Sanwo-Olu said.
On January 1, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, conveyed the government's condolences to families who mourned the loss of their relatives in the event.
He revealed that upon receiving the fire alert, the government dispatched groups of frontline rescuers, such as the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASEMA, Lagos State Ambulance Services, law enforcement bodies, and additional emergency and safety organizations.
These groups have stayed at the location, carrying out organized search, rescue, and safety efforts — consistent with globally recognized emergency response standards. They will stay and keep working until the end of the recovery process, which includes detailed and scientific evaluations.
"As of today morning, the overall count of casualties includes: eight men (among them a firefighter) who were rescued with different levels of injuries and transported to the hospital. Three men and two women suffering from mild injuries received initial treatment before being released on-site. An adult woman was found deceased among the debris, two adult men were also recovered, and three individuals suffered burns," Omotoso stated.
On December 30, Omotoso stated that the state administration plans to implement Sanwo-Olu's order requiring people and companies near the burned GNI structure to vacate promptly.
He mentioned that the government deployed specialists who examined the location of the fire and issued strong warnings about the potential risks to people and properties of nearby residents and businesses within a 100-meter area.
"Multiple structures near the location of the fire are damaged and require immediate evacuation, as per specialists. Business proprietors are attempting to enter the restricted area established around the fire site. This behavior poses risks and needs to cease," Omotoso stated.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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