Building Collapse in Anambra Traps Students

A three-storey building that served as a student hostel, called Elite Five Star Lodge, has collapsed in Amokpala, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The hostel is located beside Tonimas Filling Station. Many occupants are believed to be trapped under the debris.

The building fell in the early hours of Monday. This caused panic among residents and passers-by as an unknown number of students were inside when it collapsed.

Eyewitnesses could not confirm the exact number of people trapped. They reported that the hostel fell while students were still in their rooms. One eyewitness, who gave her name 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."

Ifeoma added, "And within moments after the loud noise from the building, the occupants inside started shouting for help as the building fell."

Videos and photos shared online showed a large crowd gathered as rescue workers, security personnel, and volunteers searched through the rubble for survivors. Our correspondent found out that officials from the Anambra State Fire Service, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, and other emergency responders were on the scene conducting rescue operations.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, confirmed the collapse in a statement on Monday. He advised the public to stay calm as rescue efforts were ongoing. Ikenga said, "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."

He continued, "The incident resulted in some occupants being trapped beneath the rubble. 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 pointed out that the Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency responded quickly and joined in the rescue operation. He confirmed that rescue efforts were still ongoing to find other trapped individuals. The number of casualties is not yet known.

"Some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention," he said.

He urged the public, especially those living nearby, to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. He also asked people to stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders to work freely.

"Further updates will be communicated as more verified information becomes available," he added.

Details will follow.