A three-storey building serving as a student hostel, known as Elite Five Star Lodge, has collapsed in Amokpala, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, leaving an unknown number of occupants trapped beneath the rubble.
The building, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, reportedly collapsed in the early hours of Monday, causing panic among residents and passers-by.
The occupants, believed to be mostly students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, were inside the building when it came down, although the exact number of people affected and possible casualties had yet to be confirmed.
An eyewitness, who identified herself simply as Ifeoma, said residents rushed to the scene after hearing a loud noise from the building.
“We heard a very loud noise before the building collapsed. The sound attracted many residents and students, who rushed to the scene to find out what had happened.
“Moments after the building came down, the occupants inside started shouting for help,” she said.
Videos and photographs circulating online showed a large crowd gathered around the collapsed structure, with rescue workers, security personnel and volunteers searching through the debris for survivors.
Officials of the Anambra State Fire Service, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency and other emergency responders were said to be conducting rescue operations at the scene.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said a police-led joint security team had mobilised to the area, secured the site and coordinated rescue efforts.
“The Anambra State Police-led Joint Security Team assures the public that rescue operations are ongoing following the late-night incident on Sunday involving the collapse of a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, Amokpala, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
“The incident resulted in some occupants being trapped beneath the rubble. Upon 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 the Anambra State Fire Service and the State Emergency Management Agency responded promptly and joined the rescue operation.
According to the police spokesperson, some injured victims had been rescued and taken to a hospital in Oko for medical attention, while efforts continued to reach anyone who might still be trapped.
He said the number of casualties and affected persons had not been established.
Ikenga urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unhindered access.
“Further updates will be communicated as more verified information becomes available,” he added.
Details later…
