Joy Yesufu and Fidelia Soriwei
Three students have been rescued alive from the rubble of a collapsed three-storey hostel near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, as emergency responders continue a search-and-rescue operation for others feared trapped.
The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge in Amokpala, collapsed on Sunday night, triggering a swift response from the police and emergency management agencies.
Rescue teams, comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Anambra State Fire Service, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant agencies, commenced operations on Monday to evacuate victims from the debris.
As of the time of filing this report, three students had been rescued alive and taken to St. Michael Hospital, Oko, where they are receiving medical treatment.
Emergency workers remained at the scene, using heavy equipment and manual efforts to search for other occupants who may still be trapped beneath the collapsed structure.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether there were fatalities or the total number of people inside the building when it collapsed.
The cause of the incident also remains unknown, with investigations already underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
Residents and students gathered near the scene as rescue operations continued, while officials appealed for calm and urged members of the public to stay away from the site to allow emergency personnel carry out their work unhindered.
The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, is located beside Tonimas Filling Station in Amokpala, Oko. The structure reportedly caved in during the early hours of Monday while occupants, believed to be mainly students, were inside.
The collapse triggered panic among residents and passers-by, who rushed to the scene as cries for help emerged from beneath the debris.
An eyewitness, identified simply as Ifeoma, said, “We heard a very loud noise before the building collapsed. The noise attracted many residents and students, who rushed to the scene to see what had happened.
“And within moments after the loud noise from the building, the occupants inside started shouting for help as the building fell.”
Videos and photographs circulating online showed rescue workers, security personnel and volunteers combing through the wreckage in search of survivors.
