Students trapped in collapsed building in Anambra

Undergraduate students are feared trapped in Oko, Anambra State. This happened after a three-storey building fell on Sunday night.

The collapse took place at Amaokpala, Oko, in the Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The building, called the Elite Five Star Lodge, housed mainly students from the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.

A former official from the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed this to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday morning. The source, who wished to remain anonymous, said that an unknown number of students are still trapped under the debris.

When PREMIUM TIMES reached out, Ndidi Omega, the Executive Secretary of SEMA, initially promised to provide updates but had not shared more information by the time of writing.

The Anambra State Police Command also confirmed the incident. Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson, shared details in a statement on Monday morning. He said rescue operations are currently in progress.

Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, mentioned that SEMA officials and police officers were sent to the site after a distress call was made.

“When we received the distress report, the Police, along with other security agencies, quickly moved to the scene, secured the area to prevent any further danger, and coordinated rescue efforts,” he said. “The Anambra State Fire Service and SEMA also arrived promptly and joined in the rescue operation.”

The spokesperson added that some injured people have been treated and taken to a local hospital in Oko. Rescue operations are still ongoing to find others who are trapped.

Mr Ikenga asked residents to stay calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and keep clear of the area to help emergency responders.

“More updates will be shared as we receive verified information,” he assured.