live_tv
Livestream Starting Soon
00
Hours
:
00
Minutes
:
00
Seconds
Up next in 10
Peter Obi Insists 3 Omatu Siblings Aged 40, 39, 37 Died Days After No Help
https://osazuwaakonedo.news/peter-obi-insists-3-omatu-siblings-aged-40-39-37-died-days-after-no-help/
#Life #Balogun #Ihiala #Lagos #Obi #Omatu #Peter #Uzoakwa ©January 18th, 2026 ®January 18, 2026 9:35 am Peter Obi, the former Anambra State Governor and last Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the Nigeria 2023 general elections has insisted that the three brothers among the 12 persons that died as a result of fire that engulfed the 25-storey Building of Great Nigeria Insurance House plaza at Balogun Market in Lagos Island on Christmas eve, called for help for days with no emergency response from the government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying, the three siblings; Mr Stephen Onyeka Omatu aged 40, Mr Casmir Nnabuike Omatu aged 39, and Mr Collins Kenechukwu Omatu aged 37, for days, sent "distressing pleas for help while trapped in the building, yet there were no emergency services to rescue them, Several days passed in the rubble before their bodies were finally recovered, Several days of unanswered calls, of a system that failed them at the moment they needed it most", Peter Obi made this statement after attending the burial ceremony of the three siblings held at Uzoakwa community in Ihiala local government area of Anambra State on Wednesday, after Lagos State Government through the office of the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso in a statement issued on January 1, 2026 stated that as soon as the fire alarm was received on the day, the government deployed teams of first responders to the scene, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Ambulance Services, security agencies, and other emergency and safety units, but, this statement from the Lagos State Government appears not to be inline with an eyewitness account, a resident who spoke with News Central Television at the scene of the fire incident that a phone call was made across to a fire service in Lagos State, but the fire service demanded ₦30 million service fee before the fire service would respond to the emergency issue, this, the resident added that if the fire service had responded on time, the entire building would have been saved probably with no life lost because the fire was only at a single floor when the fire service was called. #OsazuwaAkonedo
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/osazuwaakonedo--4980924/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/osazuwaakonedo--4980924/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .
Kindly support us for more productivity and efficiency in news delivery.
Visit our donation page: Donate (https://osazuwaakonedo.news/donation/)
You can also use our Mobile app for more news in different formats: CLICK TO DOWNDLOAD ON GOOGLE PLAY STORE (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=osazuwaakonedo.news)
Show More Show Less View Video Transcript
0:00
Peter Obi, the former Anra state
0:02
Peter Obi, the former Anra state
0:02
Peter Obi, the former Anra state governor and last presidential candidate
0:04
governor and last presidential candidate
0:04
governor and last presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the Nigeria 2023
0:07
of the Labour Party in the Nigeria 2023
0:08
of the Labour Party in the Nigeria 2023 general elections, has insisted that the
0:10
general elections, has insisted that the
0:10
general elections, has insisted that the three brothers among the 12 persons that
0:12
three brothers among the 12 persons that
0:12
three brothers among the 12 persons that died as a result of fire that engulfed
0:14
died as a result of fire that engulfed
0:14
died as a result of fire that engulfed the 25story building of great Nigeria
0:17
the 25story building of great Nigeria
0:17
the 25story building of great Nigeria insurance house plaza at Balagon Market
0:20
insurance house plaza at Balagon Market
0:20
insurance house plaza at Balagon Market in Lagos Island on Christmas Eve called
0:23
in Lagos Island on Christmas Eve called
0:23
in Lagos Island on Christmas Eve called for help for days with no emergency
0:25
for help for days with no emergency
0:25
for help for days with no emergency response from the government under the
0:27
response from the government under the
0:27
response from the government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed. met
0:29
leadership of President Bola Ahmed. met
0:29
leadership of President Bola Ahmed. met Tonubu saying the three siblings Mr.
0:33
Tonubu saying the three siblings Mr.
0:33
Tonubu saying the three siblings Mr. Steven onu aged 40 Mr. Kasmir Nabuku
0:37
Steven onu aged 40 Mr. Kasmir Nabuku
0:37
Steven onu aged 40 Mr. Kasmir Nabuku aged 39 and Mr. Collins Kenichoku, aged
0:41
aged 39 and Mr. Collins Kenichoku, aged
0:41
aged 39 and Mr. Collins Kenichoku, aged 37, for days sent distressing police for
0:44
37, for days sent distressing police for
0:44
37, for days sent distressing police for help while trapped in the building. Yet
0:47
help while trapped in the building. Yet
0:47
help while trapped in the building. Yet there were no emergency services to
0:48
there were no emergency services to
0:48
there were no emergency services to rescue them. Several days passed in the
0:51
rescue them. Several days passed in the
0:51
rescue them. Several days passed in the rubble before their bodies were finally
0:53
rubble before their bodies were finally
0:53
rubble before their bodies were finally recovered. Several days of unanswered
0:55
recovered. Several days of unanswered
0:55
recovered. Several days of unanswered calls of a system that failed them at
0:58
calls of a system that failed them at
0:58
calls of a system that failed them at the moment they needed it most. Peter
1:00
the moment they needed it most. Peter
1:00
the moment they needed it most. Peter Obi made this statement after attending
1:02
Obi made this statement after attending
1:02
Obi made this statement after attending the burial ceremony of the three
1:04
the burial ceremony of the three
1:04
the burial ceremony of the three siblings held at Usuzokqua community in
1:07
siblings held at Usuzokqua community in
1:07
siblings held at Usuzokqua community in Ihiala local government area of an amber
1:10
Ihiala local government area of an amber
1:10
Ihiala local government area of an amber state on Wednesday after Lagos state
1:12
state on Wednesday after Lagos state
1:12
state on Wednesday after Lagos state government through the office of the
1:14
government through the office of the
1:14
government through the office of the commissioner for information and
1:16
commissioner for information and
1:16
commissioner for information and strategy. Bengaruso in a statement
1:18
strategy. Bengaruso in a statement
1:18
strategy. Bengaruso in a statement issued on January 1st, 2026 stated that
1:22
issued on January 1st, 2026 stated that
1:22
issued on January 1st, 2026 stated that as soon as the fire alarm was received
1:25
as soon as the fire alarm was received
1:25
as soon as the fire alarm was received on the day, the government deployed
1:27
on the day, the government deployed
1:27
on the day, the government deployed teams of first responders to the scene,
1:29
teams of first responders to the scene,
1:29
teams of first responders to the scene, including the Lagos State Fire and
1:31
including the Lagos State Fire and
1:31
including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency
1:34
Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency
1:34
Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Ambulance
1:37
Management Agency, Lagos State Ambulance
1:37
Management Agency, Lagos State Ambulance Services, security agencies, and other
1:39
Services, security agencies, and other
1:39
Services, security agencies, and other emergency and safety units. But this
1:42
emergency and safety units. But this
1:42
emergency and safety units. But this statement from the Lagos state
1:44
statement from the Lagos state
1:44
statement from the Lagos state government appears not to be in line
1:45
government appears not to be in line
1:45
government appears not to be in line with an eyewitness account. A resident
1:48
with an eyewitness account. A resident
1:48
with an eyewitness account. A resident who spoke with news central television
1:50
who spoke with news central television
1:50
who spoke with news central television at the scene of the fire incident that a
1:52
at the scene of the fire incident that a
1:52
at the scene of the fire incident that a phone call was made across to a fire
1:54
phone call was made across to a fire
1:54
phone call was made across to a fire service in Lagos State. But the fire
1:57
service in Lagos State. But the fire
1:57
service in Lagos State. But the fire service demanded 30 million naira
1:59
service demanded 30 million naira
1:59
service demanded 30 million naira service fee before the fire service
2:01
service fee before the fire service
2:01
service fee before the fire service would respond to the emergency issue.
2:04
would respond to the emergency issue.
2:04
would respond to the emergency issue. This the resident added that if the fire
2:06
This the resident added that if the fire
2:06
This the resident added that if the fire service had responded on time, the
2:09
service had responded on time, the
2:09
service had responded on time, the entire building would have been saved
2:10
entire building would have been saved
2:10
entire building would have been saved probably with no life lost because the
2:13
probably with no life lost because the
2:13
probably with no life lost because the fire was only at a single floor when the
2:15
fire was only at a single floor when the
2:15
fire was only at a single floor when the fire service was called. According to
2:18
fire service was called. According to
2:18
fire service was called. According to Punch newspaper, the three siblings died
2:21
Punch newspaper, the three siblings died
2:21
Punch newspaper, the three siblings died after being trapped inside the burning
2:23
after being trapped inside the burning
2:23
after being trapped inside the burning high-rise building in Lagos. An incident
2:25
high-rise building in Lagos. An incident
2:25
high-rise building in Lagos. An incident that shocked residents and reignited
2:27
that shocked residents and reignited
2:27
that shocked residents and reignited concerns over fire safety and emergency
2:30
concerns over fire safety and emergency
2:30
concerns over fire safety and emergency response in the country. According to
2:33
response in the country. According to
2:33
response in the country. According to family sources, the intensity of the
2:35
family sources, the intensity of the
2:35
family sources, the intensity of the inferno made rescue efforts impossible
2:38
inferno made rescue efforts impossible
2:38
inferno made rescue efforts impossible and only ashes were recovered for
2:39
and only ashes were recovered for
2:39
and only ashes were recovered for burial. The burial brought grief and
2:42
burial. The burial brought grief and
2:42
burial. The burial brought grief and sorrow to Iala community with residents
2:45
sorrow to Iala community with residents
2:45
sorrow to Iala community with residents praying that their souls find rest and
2:47
praying that their souls find rest and
2:47
praying that their souls find rest and that their family find strength to pass
2:49
that their family find strength to pass
2:49
that their family find strength to pass through this trying time. After the
2:52
through this trying time. After the
2:52
through this trying time. After the burial, emotions ran high as the young
2:54
burial, emotions ran high as the young
2:54
burial, emotions ran high as the young wives of the deceased family members,
2:57
wives of the deceased family members,
2:57
wives of the deceased family members, friends, schoolmates, and sympathizers
3:00
friends, schoolmates, and sympathizers
3:00
friends, schoolmates, and sympathizers gathered to bid a painful farewell. Some
3:03
gathered to bid a painful farewell. Some
3:03
gathered to bid a painful farewell. Some attendees, dressed in black and carrying
3:05
attendees, dressed in black and carrying
3:05
attendees, dressed in black and carrying posters of the three siblings, wept
3:07
posters of the three siblings, wept
3:08
posters of the three siblings, wept openly, struggling to come to terms with
3:10
openly, struggling to come to terms with
3:10
openly, struggling to come to terms with the tragedy that sent shock waves across
3:12
the tragedy that sent shock waves across
3:12
the tragedy that sent shock waves across the community. Punch online had reported
3:15
the community. Punch online had reported
3:15
the community. Punch online had reported on January 7th that the fire started on
3:18
on January 7th that the fire started on
3:18
on January 7th that the fire started on the fourth floor and spread to the sixth
3:20
the fourth floor and spread to the sixth
3:20
the fourth floor and spread to the sixth before engulfing the remaining floors
3:21
before engulfing the remaining floors
3:22
before engulfing the remaining floors and adjoining structures. A detached
3:24
and adjoining structures. A detached
3:24
and adjoining structures. A detached section of the plaza, estimated at about
3:27
section of the plaza, estimated at about
3:27
section of the plaza, estimated at about seven floors high, collapsed during the
3:29
seven floors high, collapsed during the
3:29
seven floors high, collapsed during the inferno, trapping some traders and
3:31
inferno, trapping some traders and
3:31
inferno, trapping some traders and market assistants. One of the families
3:34
market assistants. One of the families
3:34
market assistants. One of the families worst affected was the Omatu family,
3:37
worst affected was the Omatu family,
3:37
worst affected was the Omatu family, which lost three brothers, Steve, 40,
3:40
which lost three brothers, Steve, 40,
3:40
which lost three brothers, Steve, 40, Casmir, 39, and Collins, 37. The
3:44
Casmir, 39, and Collins, 37. The
3:44
Casmir, 39, and Collins, 37. The siblings were trapped in the building
3:46
siblings were trapped in the building
3:46
siblings were trapped in the building and are believed to have died in the
3:47
and are believed to have died in the
3:48
and are believed to have died in the fire. A surviving twin, Camilisu,
3:51
fire. A surviving twin, Camilisu,
3:51
fire. A surviving twin, Camilisu, reportedly escaped the blaze. Peter Obi
3:54
reportedly escaped the blaze. Peter Obi
3:54
reportedly escaped the blaze. Peter Obi in a statement published through his
3:56
in a statement published through his
3:56
in a statement published through his verified social media accounts said,
3:59
verified social media accounts said,
3:59
verified social media accounts said, "Yesterday I attended a deeply emotional
4:01
"Yesterday I attended a deeply emotional
4:01
"Yesterday I attended a deeply emotional and heartbreaking burial of three
4:04
and heartbreaking burial of three
4:04
and heartbreaking burial of three siblings, Steven on Omatu, Kasmir
4:07
siblings, Steven on Omatu, Kasmir
4:07
siblings, Steven on Omatu, Kasmir Nabuku, and Collins Kenichuku.
4:10
Nabuku, and Collins Kenichuku.
4:10
Nabuku, and Collins Kenichuku. The three young brothers whose lives
4:12
The three young brothers whose lives
4:12
The three young brothers whose lives were cruy cut short in the great Nigeria
4:15
were cruy cut short in the great Nigeria
4:15
were cruy cut short in the great Nigeria insurance building fire in Lagos,
4:17
insurance building fire in Lagos,
4:17
insurance building fire in Lagos, Nigeria. It is almost impossible to
4:20
Nigeria. It is almost impossible to
4:20
Nigeria. It is almost impossible to describe the depth of this tragedy. For
4:22
describe the depth of this tragedy. For
4:22
describe the depth of this tragedy. For days, these young men sent distressing
4:25
days, these young men sent distressing
4:25
days, these young men sent distressing police for help while trapped in the
4:26
police for help while trapped in the
4:26
police for help while trapped in the building. Yet, there were no emergency
4:28
building. Yet, there were no emergency
4:28
building. Yet, there were no emergency services to rescue them. Several days
4:31
services to rescue them. Several days
4:31
services to rescue them. Several days passed in the rubble before their bodies
4:33
passed in the rubble before their bodies
4:33
passed in the rubble before their bodies were finally recovered. Several days of
4:36
were finally recovered. Several days of
4:36
were finally recovered. Several days of unanswered calls of a system that failed
4:39
unanswered calls of a system that failed
4:39
unanswered calls of a system that failed them at the moment they needed it most.
4:41
them at the moment they needed it most.
4:42
them at the moment they needed it most. This is not just a personal loss for
4:44
This is not just a personal loss for
4:44
This is not just a personal loss for their family. It is a national loss.
4:47
their family. It is a national loss.
4:47
their family. It is a national loss. This tragedy should serve as a reminder
4:49
This tragedy should serve as a reminder
4:49
This tragedy should serve as a reminder that our emergency services must be
4:51
that our emergency services must be
4:51
that our emergency services must be improved and accessible to every
4:53
improved and accessible to every
4:53
improved and accessible to every citizen. We cannot continue like this.
4:56
citizen. We cannot continue like this.
4:56
citizen. We cannot continue like this. Every life matters and no Nigerian
4:58
Every life matters and no Nigerian
4:58
Every life matters and no Nigerian should ever have to endure such neglect
5:00
should ever have to endure such neglect
5:00
should ever have to endure such neglect or be left to perish in such a gruesome
5:02
or be left to perish in such a gruesome
5:02
or be left to perish in such a gruesome way while help could have been provided.
5:05
way while help could have been provided.
5:05
way while help could have been provided. I pray that the souls of Steve, Casmir,
5:08
I pray that the souls of Steve, Casmir,
5:08
I pray that the souls of Steve, Casmir, and Collins find eternal rest, and that
5:11
and Collins find eternal rest, and that
5:11
and Collins find eternal rest, and that God grants their family the courage,
5:13
God grants their family the courage,
5:13
God grants their family the courage, strength, and comfort to bear this
5:15
strength, and comfort to bear this
5:15
strength, and comfort to bear this unimaginable grief. May we never forget
5:18
unimaginable grief. May we never forget
5:18
unimaginable grief. May we never forget them, and may we be moved to ensure such
5:20
them, and may we be moved to ensure such
5:20
them, and may we be moved to ensure such a tragedy never happens again. The Lagos
5:23
a tragedy never happens again. The Lagos
5:23
a tragedy never happens again. The Lagos state government, according to Punch
5:25
state government, according to Punch
5:25
state government, according to Punch newspaper publication on January 2nd,
5:28
newspaper publication on January 2nd,
5:28
newspaper publication on January 2nd, 2026, has warned against the spread of
5:31
2026, has warned against the spread of
5:31
2026, has warned against the spread of speculation that may heighten public
5:33
speculation that may heighten public
5:33
speculation that may heighten public anxiety over the fire incident that
5:35
anxiety over the fire incident that
5:35
anxiety over the fire incident that occurred at the 25story Great Nigeria
5:38
occurred at the 25story Great Nigeria
5:38
occurred at the 25story Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martin Street, Lagos
5:41
Insurance House on Martin Street, Lagos
5:41
Insurance House on Martin Street, Lagos Island on Christmas Eve. The
5:44
Island on Christmas Eve. The
5:44
Island on Christmas Eve. The commissioner for information and
5:45
commissioner for information and
5:45
commissioner for information and strategy, Bengaro,
5:48
strategy, Bengaro,
5:48
strategy, Bengaro, said in a statement on Thursday, January
5:51
said in a statement on Thursday, January
5:51
said in a statement on Thursday, January 1st, 2026, that the government had taken
5:54
1st, 2026, that the government had taken
5:54
1st, 2026, that the government had taken note of some speculations and assertions
5:56
note of some speculations and assertions
5:56
note of some speculations and assertions concerning the incident. Omoso conveyed
5:59
concerning the incident. Omoso conveyed
5:59
concerning the incident. Omoso conveyed the government's sympathy to those who
6:01
the government's sympathy to those who
6:01
the government's sympathy to those who lost their loved ones in the incident,
6:03
lost their loved ones in the incident,
6:03
lost their loved ones in the incident, saying, "We feel their pain and
6:05
saying, "We feel their pain and
6:05
saying, "We feel their pain and understand their anxiety." He reiterated
6:08
understand their anxiety." He reiterated
6:08
understand their anxiety." He reiterated that as soon as the fire alarm was
6:10
that as soon as the fire alarm was
6:10
that as soon as the fire alarm was received on the day, the government
6:12
received on the day, the government
6:12
received on the day, the government deployed teams of first responders to
6:14
deployed teams of first responders to
6:14
deployed teams of first responders to the scene, including the Lagos State
6:17
the scene, including the Lagos State
6:17
the scene, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State
6:19
Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State
6:19
Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State
6:22
Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State
6:22
Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Ambulance Services, security agencies,
6:25
Ambulance Services, security agencies,
6:25
Ambulance Services, security agencies, and other emergency and safety units.
6:28
and other emergency and safety units.
6:28
and other emergency and safety units. Omoso said the teams had also remained
6:30
Omoso said the teams had also remained
6:30
Omoso said the teams had also remained on site conducting systematic search,
6:33
on site conducting systematic search,
6:33
on site conducting systematic search, rescue, and safety operations in line
6:36
rescue, and safety operations in line
6:36
rescue, and safety operations in line with internationally accepted emergency
6:38
with internationally accepted emergency
6:38
with internationally accepted emergency response protocols. They will remain
6:41
response protocols. They will remain
6:41
response protocols. They will remain there and continue to work until the
6:43
there and continue to work until the
6:43
there and continue to work until the completion of recovery operations
6:45
completion of recovery operations
6:45
completion of recovery operations supported by thorough and forensic
6:47
supported by thorough and forensic
6:47
supported by thorough and forensic assessments, he said. Giving an update
6:50
assessments, he said. Giving an update
6:50
assessments, he said. Giving an update on the incident, Omoso said, "As of this
6:53
on the incident, Omoso said, "As of this
6:53
on the incident, Omoso said, "As of this morning, the total number of victims is
6:55
morning, the total number of victims is
6:55
morning, the total number of victims is eight males, including a fireman,
6:57
eight males, including a fireman,
6:57
eight males, including a fireman, rescued with varying degrees of injury
6:59
rescued with varying degrees of injury
6:59
rescued with varying degrees of injury and taken to the hospital. Three males
7:02
and taken to the hospital. Three males
7:02
and taken to the hospital. Three males and two females who sustained minor
7:04
and two females who sustained minor
7:04
and two females who sustained minor injuries were administered first aid and
7:06
injuries were administered first aid and
7:06
injuries were administered first aid and thereafter released at the scene. One
7:09
thereafter released at the scene. One
7:09
thereafter released at the scene. One adult female was extricated dead from
7:11
adult female was extricated dead from
7:11
adult female was extricated dead from the rubble. Two adult males were
7:13
the rubble. Two adult males were
7:13
the rubble. Two adult males were extricated and three persons were burnt.
7:17
extricated and three persons were burnt.
7:17
extricated and three persons were burnt. The government appealed to the public,
7:19
The government appealed to the public,
7:19
The government appealed to the public, affected families, and all stakeholders
7:21
affected families, and all stakeholders
7:21
affected families, and all stakeholders to exercise patience, restraint, and
7:24
to exercise patience, restraint, and
7:24
to exercise patience, restraint, and sensitivity, and to refrain from
7:26
sensitivity, and to refrain from
7:26
sensitivity, and to refrain from spreading speculation that could
7:27
spreading speculation that could
7:27
spreading speculation that could heighten public anxiety or undermine
7:29
heighten public anxiety or undermine
7:29
heighten public anxiety or undermine ongoing operations. In addition to the
7:32
ongoing operations. In addition to the
7:32
ongoing operations. In addition to the numbers of death, the National Emergency
7:34
numbers of death, the National Emergency
7:34
numbers of death, the National Emergency Management Agency of Nigeria, NEMA, on
7:37
Management Agency of Nigeria, NEMA, on
7:37
Management Agency of Nigeria, NEMA, on January 11th, 2026, said it recovered
7:41
January 11th, 2026, said it recovered
7:41
January 11th, 2026, said it recovered four more burnt bodies from the scene of
7:43
four more burnt bodies from the scene of
7:43
four more burnt bodies from the scene of the fire incident. Accordingly, Nema
7:46
the fire incident. Accordingly, Nema
7:46
the fire incident. Accordingly, Nema said, "The National Emergency Management
7:48
said, "The National Emergency Management
7:48
said, "The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has facilitated the
7:51
Agency, NEMA, has facilitated the
7:51
Agency, NEMA, has facilitated the deployment of heavyduty equipment by the
7:53
deployment of heavyduty equipment by the
7:54
deployment of heavyduty equipment by the China Civil Engineering Construction
7:56
China Civil Engineering Construction
7:56
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCECC, to support ongoing
7:59
Corporation, CCECC, to support ongoing
7:59
Corporation, CCECC, to support ongoing recovery operations at the site of the
8:01
recovery operations at the site of the
8:01
recovery operations at the site of the Great Nigeria Insurance Building on
8:04
Great Nigeria Insurance Building on
8:04
Great Nigeria Insurance Building on Martin Street, Lagos Island, which was
8:07
Martin Street, Lagos Island, which was
8:07
Martin Street, Lagos Island, which was gutted by fire on the 24th of December,
8:09
gutted by fire on the 24th of December,
8:10
gutted by fire on the 24th of December, 2025.
8:11
2025.
8:11
2025. The multi- agency rescue and recovery
8:14
The multi- agency rescue and recovery
8:14
The multi- agency rescue and recovery operation remains complex due to the
8:16
operation remains complex due to the
8:16
operation remains complex due to the precarious structural condition of the
8:18
precarious structural condition of the
8:18
precarious structural condition of the 23story building. However, significant
8:22
23story building. However, significant
8:22
23story building. However, significant progress has been recorded with the
8:24
progress has been recorded with the
8:24
progress has been recorded with the controlled removal of debris and the
8:26
controlled removal of debris and the
8:26
controlled removal of debris and the recovery of four bodies from beneath the
8:28
recovery of four bodies from beneath the
8:28
recovery of four bodies from beneath the rubble. Nema is providing technical and
8:31
rubble. Nema is providing technical and
8:31
rubble. Nema is providing technical and operational support to ensure safety at
8:33
operational support to ensure safety at
8:33
operational support to ensure safety at the site while facilitating the
8:35
the site while facilitating the
8:35
the site while facilitating the deployment of CCECC equipment for
8:38
deployment of CCECC equipment for
8:38
deployment of CCECC equipment for controlled excavation and debris
8:40
controlled excavation and debris
8:40
controlled excavation and debris clearance. The excavation and debris
8:43
clearance. The excavation and debris
8:43
clearance. The excavation and debris removal operations are being carried out
8:45
removal operations are being carried out
8:45
removal operations are being carried out under the close supervision of the Lagos
8:47
under the close supervision of the Lagos
8:47
under the close supervision of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency,
8:50
State Emergency Management Agency,
8:50
State Emergency Management Agency, LASMA, the Lagos Waste Management
8:52
LASMA, the Lagos Waste Management
8:52
LASMA, the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LULMA, and other relevant
8:54
Authority, LULMA, and other relevant
8:54
Authority, LULMA, and other relevant response stakeholders.
8:56
response stakeholders.
8:56
response stakeholders. Four burned bodies were recovered from
8:58
Four burned bodies were recovered from
8:58
Four burned bodies were recovered from the rubble, properly documented, and
9:00
the rubble, properly documented, and
9:00
the rubble, properly documented, and handed over to the Lagos State
9:02
handed over to the Lagos State
9:02
handed over to the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit,
9:04
Environmental Health Monitoring Unit,
9:04
Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, SHEMU, for onward transfer for forensic
9:07
SHEMU, for onward transfer for forensic
9:07
SHEMU, for onward transfer for forensic identification and dignified handling.
9:10
identification and dignified handling.
9:10
identification and dignified handling. The incident perimeter remains fully
9:12
The incident perimeter remains fully
9:12
The incident perimeter remains fully secured by the military, police, and
9:14
secured by the military, police, and
9:14
secured by the military, police, and other supporting security agencies with
9:17
other supporting security agencies with
9:17
other supporting security agencies with barricades in place to restrict
9:18
barricades in place to restrict
9:18
barricades in place to restrict unauthorized access and ensure the
9:20
unauthorized access and ensure the
9:20
unauthorized access and ensure the safety of emergency personnel and the
9:22
safety of emergency personnel and the
9:22
safety of emergency personnel and the public. Meanwhile, a strategic
9:25
public. Meanwhile, a strategic
9:25
public. Meanwhile, a strategic coordination meeting was held involving
9:27
coordination meeting was held involving
9:28
coordination meeting was held involving Nema Lagos operations office and key
9:30
Nema Lagos operations office and key
9:30
Nema Lagos operations office and key stakeholders including the honorable
9:32
stakeholders including the honorable
9:32
stakeholders including the honorable commissioner for special duties and
9:34
commissioner for special duties and
9:34
commissioner for special duties and intergovernmental relations, Lagos
9:36
intergovernmental relations, Lagos
9:36
intergovernmental relations, Lagos State, Mr. Bengarand, the special
9:40
State, Mr. Bengarand, the special
9:40
State, Mr. Bengarand, the special adviser to the governor on ARGIS and
9:43
adviser to the governor on ARGIS and
9:43
adviser to the governor on ARGIS and urban development drive
9:46
urban development drive
9:46
urban development drive babatunde and the chairman of the
9:48
babatunde and the chairman of the
9:48
babatunde and the chairman of the community development association CDA.
9:52
community development association CDA.
9:52
community development association CDA. The meeting focused on detailed planning
9:54
The meeting focused on detailed planning
9:54
The meeting focused on detailed planning of ongoing operations, including a
9:56
of ongoing operations, including a
9:56
of ongoing operations, including a phased approach to safe excavation,
9:59
phased approach to safe excavation,
9:59
phased approach to safe excavation, structural integrity assessment,
10:01
structural integrity assessment,
10:01
structural integrity assessment, controlled demolition, and eventual site
10:03
controlled demolition, and eventual site
10:03
controlled demolition, and eventual site rehabilitation.
10:05
rehabilitation.
10:05
rehabilitation. All activities at the site remain under
10:07
All activities at the site remain under
10:07
All activities at the site remain under the authority of Lysmer and the Lagos
10:09
the authority of Lysmer and the Lagos
10:09
the authority of Lysmer and the Lagos State Government with Nema providing
10:11
State Government with Nema providing
10:11
State Government with Nema providing technical and operational support.
10:14
technical and operational support.
10:14
technical and operational support. Meanwhile, a Catholic priest, Father A.
10:17
Meanwhile, a Catholic priest, Father A.
10:17
Meanwhile, a Catholic priest, Father A. James in a tweet on exocial media
10:19
James in a tweet on exocial media
10:19
James in a tweet on exocial media platform on January 6th, 2026 talked
10:23
platform on January 6th, 2026 talked
10:23
platform on January 6th, 2026 talked about the Omatu family and stated in
10:25
about the Omatu family and stated in
10:25
about the Omatu family and stated in quotes that there were seven orphans in
10:27
quotes that there were seven orphans in
10:27
quotes that there were seven orphans in one family, two girls and five boys. One
10:31
one family, two girls and five boys. One
10:31
one family, two girls and five boys. One of them is a priest, father William
10:33
of them is a priest, father William
10:33
of them is a priest, father William Omatu. Three of their brothers were
10:35
Omatu. Three of their brothers were
10:35
Omatu. Three of their brothers were trapped in the great Nigeria house
10:37
trapped in the great Nigeria house
10:37
trapped in the great Nigeria house market fire on Lagos Island and died
10:40
market fire on Lagos Island and died
10:40
market fire on Lagos Island and died there on Christmas Eve the 24th of
10:42
there on Christmas Eve the 24th of
10:42
there on Christmas Eve the 24th of December 2025.
10:45
December 2025.
10:45
December 2025. They did not die because it was
10:46
They did not die because it was
10:46
They did not die because it was inevitable. They died because in Nigeria
10:50
inevitable. They died because in Nigeria
10:50
inevitable. They died because in Nigeria life has become cheap. Because those
10:52
life has become cheap. Because those
10:52
life has become cheap. Because those meant to protect lives and property did
10:54
meant to protect lives and property did
10:54
meant to protect lives and property did not because no one came in time because
10:58
not because no one came in time because
10:58
not because no one came in time because somehow nobody cared enough. How does a
11:01
somehow nobody cared enough. How does a
11:02
somehow nobody cared enough. How does a family bury three promising sons on the
11:04
family bury three promising sons on the
11:04
family bury three promising sons on the same day? How do you explain such pain?
11:07
same day? How do you explain such pain?
11:07
same day? How do you explain such pain? This is not just sad, it is devastating.
11:11
This is not just sad, it is devastating.
11:11
This is not just sad, it is devastating. It breaks the heart. What hurts even
11:13
It breaks the heart. What hurts even
11:13
It breaks the heart. What hurts even more is knowing that their brother, a
11:15
more is knowing that their brother, a
11:15
more is knowing that their brother, a priest and my friend here in Scotland,
11:18
priest and my friend here in Scotland,
11:18
priest and my friend here in Scotland, the remaining siblings will live the
11:20
the remaining siblings will live the
11:20
the remaining siblings will live the rest of their life and ministry carrying
11:22
rest of their life and ministry carrying
11:22
rest of their life and ministry carrying this memory, the knowledge of how their
11:24
this memory, the knowledge of how their
11:24
this memory, the knowledge of how their brothers died and how helpless everyone
11:26
brothers died and how helpless everyone
11:26
brothers died and how helpless everyone was. May Nigeria not happen to any of us
11:30
was. May Nigeria not happen to any of us
11:30
was. May Nigeria not happen to any of us in Jesus's name. I pray that the Lord
11:33
in Jesus's name. I pray that the Lord
11:33
in Jesus's name. I pray that the Lord grants this family the fortitude to
11:35
grants this family the fortitude to
11:35
grants this family the fortitude to carry a grief this heavy. May the souls
11:37
carry a grief this heavy. May the souls
11:38
carry a grief this heavy. May the souls of Steven, Casmir, and Collins rest in
11:40
of Steven, Casmir, and Collins rest in
11:40
of Steven, Casmir, and Collins rest in peace. Amen. On January 9th, 2026,
11:45
peace. Amen. On January 9th, 2026,
11:45
peace. Amen. On January 9th, 2026, Father A. James also tweeted and said,
11:47
Father A. James also tweeted and said,
11:47
Father A. James also tweeted and said, "I just came off a call with Father
11:49
"I just came off a call with Father
11:49
"I just came off a call with Father William Omatu, the brother of the three
11:52
William Omatu, the brother of the three
11:52
William Omatu, the brother of the three siblings that lost their lives in the
11:54
siblings that lost their lives in the
11:54
siblings that lost their lives in the Lagos market fire, and he told me they
11:56
Lagos market fire, and he told me they
11:56
Lagos market fire, and he told me they could not recover the bodies of his
11:58
could not recover the bodies of his
11:58
could not recover the bodies of his brothers. They were left only with
12:00
brothers. They were left only with
12:00
brothers. They were left only with ashes. In fact, he showed me the ashes
12:03
ashes. In fact, he showed me the ashes
12:03
ashes. In fact, he showed me the ashes he had just collected from the site.
12:06
he had just collected from the site.
12:06
he had just collected from the site. This is painful and heartbreaking." He
12:08
This is painful and heartbreaking." He
12:08
This is painful and heartbreaking." He told me that about 100 people died in
12:11
told me that about 100 people died in
12:11
told me that about 100 people died in that building. What a tragedy. I cannot
12:14
that building. What a tragedy. I cannot
12:14
that building. What a tragedy. I cannot imagine what it feels like for him and
12:16
imagine what it feels like for him and
12:16
imagine what it feels like for him and his remaining siblings at this time. But
12:18
his remaining siblings at this time. But
12:18
his remaining siblings at this time. But I pray that God will see him through.
12:21
I pray that God will see him through.
12:21
I pray that God will see him through. Amen. Please keep them in your prayers
12:23
Amen. Please keep them in your prayers
12:23
Amen. Please keep them in your prayers as they travel for the burial.
12:26
as they travel for the burial.
12:26
as they travel for the burial. >> A living witness and my friend are also
12:28
>> A living witness and my friend are also
12:28
>> A living witness and my friend are also they also sending business in this
12:30
they also sending business in this
12:30
they also sending business in this plaza. So very close to this place. But
12:33
plaza. So very close to this place. But
12:33
plaza. So very close to this place. But what I observe when the fire started
12:35
what I observe when the fire started
12:35
what I observe when the fire started around to around 4 something is that
12:38
around to around 4 something is that
12:38
around to around 4 something is that they call some private fire service in
12:42
they call some private fire service in
12:42
they call some private fire service in the first places they call them and as
12:45
the first places they call them and as
12:45
the first places they call them and as they call them they the demand for 30
12:48
they call them they the demand for 30
12:48
they call them they the demand for 30 million NRA and the thing starts just
12:51
million NRA and the thing starts just
12:51
million NRA and the thing starts just only one floor and the the only one
12:54
only one floor and the the only one
12:54
only one floor and the the only one floor is not all it's not it's not even
12:56
floor is not all it's not it's not even
12:56
floor is not all it's not it's not even everywhere just only particular like
12:58
everywhere just only particular like
12:58
everywhere just only particular like just particular little little places in
13:01
just particular little little places in
13:01
just particular little little places in the in in the first building, first
13:03
the in in the first building, first
13:03
the in in the first building, first floor, they should kill it. If they try
13:05
floor, they should kill it. If they try
13:06
floor, they should kill it. If they try to to stop the fire, it won't get to
13:07
to to stop the fire, it won't get to
13:07
to to stop the fire, it won't get to this extent. And there's a way even they
13:11
this extent. And there's a way even they
13:11
this extent. And there's a way even they park, they park at the the opposite of
13:13
park, they park at the the opposite of
13:14
park, they park at the the opposite of where the fire is, the opposite of the
13:16
where the fire is, the opposite of the
13:16
where the fire is, the opposite of the that building, they park there. They
13:18
that building, they park there. They
13:18
that building, they park there. They park there this evening. What is
13:20
park there this evening. What is
13:20
park there this evening. What is stopping them to what to to stop the
13:22
stopping them to what to to stop the
13:22
stopping them to what to to stop the fire then before it gets to this to this
13:25
fire then before it gets to this to this
13:25
fire then before it gets to this to this extent.
13:26
extent.
13:26
extent. >> So that's my blame. that private service
13:28
>> So that's my blame. that private service
13:28
>> So that's my blame. that private service supposed to be supposed to be to to be
13:30
supposed to be supposed to be to to be
13:30
supposed to be supposed to be to to be to be banned because that is in fact is
13:34
to be banned because that is in fact is
13:34
to be banned because that is in fact is so so messiness. So that's that's what I
13:37
so so messiness. So that's that's what I
13:37
so so messiness. So that's that's what I can say about
13:39
can say about
13:39
can say about bringing you the news in a mortgages
#Emergency Services
#News
#Local News
#Death & Tragedy