The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) issues this urgent press statement to draw national attention to the tragic and distressing situation surrounding three brothers from Uzoakwa community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State who are currently feared trapped in the inferno at the Great Nigeria House, a 22-storey building that was gutted by fire on Lagos Island on December 24, 2025.
The affected individuals are Mr. Stephen Onyeka Omatu, Mr. Casmir Nnabuike Omatu, and Mr. Kenechukwu Collins Omatu. The three are biological brothers from the same father and mother, young entrepreneurs who relocated to Lagos in pursuit of legitimate livelihoods. They are traders dealing in male and female shoes, bags, and clothing on Lagos Island under their registered business name, Mr. Classic Wholesale and Retail Limited, with their operations linked to the Great Nigeria House complex.
Since the outbreak of the devastating fire, their family, community members, and associates have been thrown into deep anguish due to the absence of clear information regarding their whereabouts and condition. The scale of the inferno, the height of the building, and the complexity of the structure have further heightened fears, particularly as time continues to pass without definitive rescue outcomes.
FOSAD commends the Lagos State Government, emergency responders, firefighters, and security agencies for their efforts so far in managing the fire incident and preventing further escalation. However, given the magnitude of the tragedy and the potential that human lives remain at risk within the building, we respectfully but firmly appeal for an accelerated, intensified, and transparent search and rescue operation at the site of the Great Nigeria House.
We specifically call on His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, to personally intervene by mobilising additional emergency resources, advanced rescue equipment, structural assessment experts, and specialised urban search and rescue teams to thoroughly comb the affected building. Every hour is critical, and every possible measure must be taken to account for all persons who may still be trapped.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of hardworking Nigerians who contribute daily to the economic vibrancy of Lagos State and Nigeria at large. The Omatu brothers represent thousands of South-East youths who have embraced enterprise and peaceful coexistence in Lagos, investing their energy, resources, and hopes in honest trade.
FOSAD also calls for timely and compassionate communication with families of missing persons, as uncertainty compounds trauma. Accurate updates, victim identification processes, and psychosocial support for affected families should form part of the emergency response framework.
As an intellectual and advocacy body committed to human dignity, social justice, and national cohesion, FOSAD stands in solidarity with the Omatu family, the people of Uzoakwa in Ihiala, and all Nigerians impacted by this tragic incident. We pray fervently for positive outcomes and urge that no effort be spared in the rescue mission.
We trust in the leadership of the Lagos State Government to rise decisively to this humanitarian challenge and reaffirm the sanctity of human life.
Signed:
Dr Stephen Nwala
President, Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
Dr Uzor Ngoladi
Secretary General, Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
December 2025
