*Create emergency exits in buildings, priest tasks developer
Revd Father Williams Omatu, brother of Stephen Onyeka Omatu, 40; Casmir Nnabuike Omatu, 39; and Collins Kenechukwu Omatu, 37, who were part of those who lost their lives in the Great Nigeria Insurance building inferno, Martins Street, Lagos Island, has labelled Nigeria a failed nation and blamed the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) for what he termed incompetence.
He said this during the Service of Songs and Requiem Mass held at Jesus the Saviour Catholic Church, Bucknor Ejigbo, Lagos.
Members of the church also held a candlelight procession in honour of the deceased, one of whose wife’s is currently pregnant.”
Fr Omatu said: “It’s a pity we have a failed nation called Nigeria. Nigeria is a scam; may Nigeria never happen to you. The mass was going on and I looked at the crowd and I couldn’t see my brothers. Up till now, the reality has not yet done on me. I am having pains all around me.
“January 9, 2026 will make it the 28th year we lost our mother and June 14 will be eight year we lost our father so, I never expected such thing to happen to orphans. My three brothers who made me happy were snatched from me just like that. They were my gold and all in all. My elder sister and I have been playing the role of parents to our younger ones. Our stepmother who is in the village has been crying and asking ‘how do I bury my three children?’.
I can’t imagine my younger brothers to go like that, it’s still unbelievable but I cannot question God, keep praying for me. I am not stronger, I am feeble. When I look at my family, I am strengthened, when I see the love of members, I am courageous.
“People called my mom (step mother) in the village to go visit a traditionalist to do something, I told her not to allow it. What happened is too much for us to bear but one with God is a majority. Keep standing in the gap for me and my family. I never wish this for anybody. My brothers were struggling and going about their businesses but they were snatched suddenly.
“This happened on December 24 and my brothers were there till December 31, there was no help, the fire service was without water to quench the fire.”
During sermon, Fr Steve-Greg Chukwube, said: “Death is a reality none of us can escape. The death of our brothers is so tragic and it’s painful but we know that they are in the hands of God. In situation of this kind, our faith is challenged, we ask God questions.
“Death teaches us everyday that it could be anyone. Whatever you do, know that death is a simplifier. Once you are born, you are old enough to die, we get closer to the grave every day. We mourn the death of the three brothers and other families that lost their loved ones in the incident and we pray that God will console them.
In his advice, he said: If you are an architect, when you are building houses, make more provision for more emergency exits. Make provision for escapes, life is very precious.”
