An unspecified number of people are feared dead, while several others remain trapped after a three-storey students’ hostel collapsed in Oko, the host community of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, is located beside Tonimas Filling Station in the Amokpala area behind the institution.
The cause of the collapse has yet to be established.
Emergency responders are currently carrying out rescue operations, with volunteers, operatives of the Anambra State Police Command, the Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) working together to clear the rubble and rescue those trapped beneath the debris.
Some victims have been rescued and taken to a hospital in Oko for treatment, while bodies recovered from the scene have been deposited in a mortuary. Authorities have not officially confirmed the number of fatalities or injured persons.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said security operatives responded immediately after receiving a distress call and secured the area to prevent further danger.
According to Ikenga, police officers, in collaboration with other emergency agencies, coordinated rescue efforts immediately after the late-night incident.
“The Anambra State Police-led joint security team assures ongoing rescue operations following the late-night incident on Sunday, July 26, 2026, involving the collapse of a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, Amokpala, in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
“On receipt of the distress report, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger, and coordinated rescue efforts.
“The Command notes that rescue operations are ongoing to reach other persons who may still be trapped, as the number of casualties or affected persons cannot yet be confirmed.
“Some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention,” the statement read.
The police appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and stay away from the scene to allow emergency workers unrestricted access as rescue efforts continue.
Authorities are expected to commence an investigation to determine the cause of the building collapse after rescue operations have been concluded.
