An unknown number of people are feared trapped after a three-storey student hostel, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, collapsed in Amokpala, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The building, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, reportedly gave way in the early hours of Monday, causing panic among residents and passers-by.
Most of those believed to have been inside the building at the time of the collapse were students. However, the exact number of occupants, casualties and those trapped had yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
An eyewitness, who identified herself simply as Ifeoma, recalled that a loud sound preceded the collapse, drawing people to the scene.
She 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 emergency responders, security personnel and volunteers combing through the rubble as large crowds gathered around the scene.
It was gathered that personnel of the Anambra State Fire Service, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency and other emergency responders were leading rescue efforts.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said a police-led joint security team had been deployed to coordinate rescue operations and secure the area.
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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.
“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.
“The Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency also responded promptly and joined in the rescue operation.”
He added that rescue workers were still searching for anyone who might remain trapped, noting that authorities had not yet established the number of victims affected by the collapse.
“Some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
Members of the public, especially residents in the area, are urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access.
“Further updates will be communicated as more verified information becomes available,” he added.
More details are expected as rescue operations continue.
