Two persons have been confirmed dead, while three others were rescued after a three-storey students’ hostel, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, collapsed in Amaokpala, near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The building, which reportedly contained about 60 rooms, caved in on Sunday night, trapping an unknown number of occupants, mostly students, beneath the rubble.
The incident threw residents and passers-by into panic as emergency responders launched a massive rescue operation that continued into Monday.
Eyewitness Recounts Moment Building Collapsed
An eyewitness, Ifeoma, said a loud noise was heard moments before the building came crashing down.
“We heard a very loud noise before the building collapsed. The noise attracted many residents and students, who rushed to the area to see what had happened.
“Within moments after the loud noise, people started shouting for help as the building came crashing down,” she said.
Videos and photographs from the scene showed rescue workers, security personnel and volunteers searching through the debris while anxious residents gathered around the site.
Rescue Teams Recover Victims
A joint rescue team comprising the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies deployed heavy-duty excavators and specialised equipment to search for survivors.
Emergency responders carefully removed rubble in a coordinated operation while security personnel cordoned off the area to prevent interference.
As of Monday evening, rescuers recovered the body of another male victim, bringing the death toll to two.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Ndidi Omega, confirmed the development, saying three injured persons had earlier been rescued and taken to hospital.
“One female body was recovered, while three persons were rescued and taken to the hospital. The rescue operation will continue until every section of the debris has been thoroughly searched,” she said.
Fire Service Confirms Fatality
The Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, also confirmed the recovery of the female victim.
“Upon arrival at the scene, fire service personnel immediately commenced search and rescue operations in collaboration with other emergency responders.
“Regrettably, one female victim was recovered from the rubble. She was confirmed dead at the scene, and her body was evacuated and handed over to the appropriate authorities for deposition in a morgue.
“Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to determine whether any other persons remain trapped beneath the debris.
“The cause of the building collapse is yet to be determined and remains under investigation,” he said.
He urged members of the public to stay away from the scene to allow emergency workers to carry out their duties safely.
Police Appeal for Calm
The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said police officers responded immediately after receiving a distress call and secured the area.
“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,” he said.
Ikenga noted that rescue operations were still ongoing and that the total number of casualties had yet to be confirmed.
He added that rescued victims were receiving treatment at a hospital in Oko and advised residents to avoid spreading unverified information while giving emergency responders unrestricted access.
NEMA Seals Collapsed Building
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sealed off the collapsed building to facilitate rescue efforts and investigations.
A NEMA official, who spoke anonymously, said the premises were barricaded to prevent students and residents from interfering with ongoing operations.
“The building has been sealed with red tape and barricaded to restrict movement around the premises. Before now, some students and residents were loitering around the site, thereby distracting rescue workers,” the official said.
Authorities are expected to begin a full investigation to determine the cause of the collapse after rescue operations have been completed.
