Emergency workers are racing to rescue occupants trapped beneath the rubble of a three-storey student lodge that collapsed near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Anambra State.
According to Vanguard, the Oko hostel collapse occurred late on Sunday at the Elite Five Star Lodge in the Amokpala area of Orumba North Local Government Area. The building sits beside Tonimas Filling Station. In addition, it is behind the institution.
Several people were reportedly inside the lodge when it suddenly gave way. Although some occupants have been rescued, others are feared trapped as emergency teams continue searching through the debris.
Reports from the scene suggested that some people may have died in the incident. However, authorities had not confirmed the number of deaths, injuries or occupants still missing at the time of filing this report.
The cause of the collapse also remained unknown. Officials are expected to investigate the building’s structure and other circumstances surrounding the incident after rescue operations end.
Oko hostel collapse triggers joint rescue operation
Residents and volunteers were among the first people to reach the scene after the building came down. They began clearing parts of the rubble while waiting for emergency and security agencies to arrive.
Personnel from the Anambra State Police Command later joined the operation alongside the Anambra State Fire Service. The State Emergency Management Agency was also involved.
Some injured occupants pulled from the wreckage were taken to a hospital in Oko for treatment. Rescue workers continued searching areas where voices or signs of movement might indicate the presence of survivors.
Police Public Relations Officer Tochukwu Ikenga said security personnel responded immediately after receiving a distress call. He explained that officers secured the area to prevent further danger and allow emergency teams to work freely.
“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,” Ikenga said.
He added that officials could not yet determine the total number of people affected because the search remained underway.
“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,” he said.
Police urge residents to avoid scene
Ikenga confirmed that responders had rescued some injured occupants and moved them to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
The police appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified reports about deaths or the number of people trapped under the building.
Authorities also asked members of the public to stay away from the site. Large crowds could restrict access for ambulances, rescue equipment and other emergency vehicles.
The command said securing the area would also protect residents from unstable sections of the collapsed building. It would also guard against other possible hazards.
The incident has caused anxiety among students, parents and residents of Oko as they await official information about those affected.
Emergency teams are expected to continue working through the rubble until they account for every person. This includes everyone believed to have been inside the lodge.
