Scots priest loses three brothers in Nigeria tower block fire that killed 12

A Scottish priest has lost three brothers in a tower block fire in Nigeria that is believed to have killed a dozen people.

Father William Omatu, assistant priest at Our Lady of Lourdes in Cardonald, lost siblings Stephen, Casmir and Collins in the fire on Christmas Eve.

The fire at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House building on Lagos Island killed 12 people, according to local media.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was deployed by the federal government in Nigeria to clear the debris following the fire.

Four bodies were recovered from beneath the rubble and have been handed over to health authorities for formal identification.

Scots priest loses three brothers in Nigerian tower block fire Facebook

A funeral for the three brothers was held in Ihiala in the Anambra State, on Wednesday.

Our Lady of Lourdes said on Facebook: “Thoughts and prayers with Fr William and his family this morning at this very difficult and sorrowful time.

“The funeral Mass for Fr William’s brothers, Stephen, Casmir and Collins will take place in their home parish in Lagos at 10am Nigerian time (9am in the UK).

“May their souls know eternal rest.”

NEMA said in a statement earlier this week: “The incident perimeter remains fully secured by the military, police, and other supporting security agencies, with barricades in place to restrict unauthorised access and ensure the safety of emergency personnel and the public.”