A three-storey building serving as a students’ hostel collapsed late Sunday night in Oko, Anambra State, leaving several occupants feared trapped beneath the rubble.
The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, is located beside Tonimas Filling Station in Amokpala, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
The incident triggered panic among students and residents, who rushed to the scene as rescue efforts commenced.
Videos circulating on social media showed large crowds gathered around the collapsed structure, with residents, students and emergency responders working together in a frantic search for survivors.
As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties and injured persons had not been officially confirmed, while the cause of the collapse remained unknown.
Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Police Command said rescue operations were ongoing to save those believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying a police-led joint security team had taken charge of the rescue operation following the late-night building collapse.
According to him, the incident left several occupants trapped beneath the rubble.
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“Upon receiving 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 Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also responded promptly and joined the rescue operation.
“The Command notes that rescue efforts 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,” Ikenga said.
He urged residents and members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access to carry out the rescue operation.
