Yemi Obafemi
Emergency responders are continuing search-and-rescue operations after a three-storey student hostel collapsed in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, trapping an undetermined number of occupants beneath the rubble.
The building, known as Elite Five Star Lodge, is a privately owned hostel located close to Tonimas Filling Station in the Federal Polytechnic Oko community. It reportedly gave way late on Sunday night, causing panic among residents and students in the area.
Rescue teams drawn from the Anambra State Police Command, the Anambra State Fire Service, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and other emergency and security agencies quickly arrived at the scene to begin recovery efforts.
Some victims have already been pulled from the collapsed building and taken to a hospital in Oko for medical attention. However, emergency workers believe more people may still be trapped and have continued efforts to reach them.
As of the time of this report, officials had not confirmed the number of people affected by the incident, as rescue operations were still in progress.
The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the collapse, stating that police officers and other security personnel immediately secured the area while supporting emergency responders in the ongoing operation.
Ikenga appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified reports about the incident. He also urged residents to stay clear of the scene to give rescue teams enough space to carry out their work effectively.
He added that the police would release additional information as soon as verified details become available.
