A three-storey hostel building known as Elite Five Star Lodge fell in Amaokpala, near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Anambra State’s Orumba North Local Government Area, killing two people and rescuing three others.
The structure, which had approximately 60 rooms, collapsed on Sunday night, sending residents and passers-by into a frenzy as an unknown number of people, largely students, were trapped beneath the wreckage for hours before emergency responders arrived.
Eyewitnesses reported that the building collapsed while inhabitants were inside.
Ifeoma, a local who observed the tragedy, told the press about a loud sound before the fall.
“We heard a very loud noise before the building collapsed. The noise attracted many residents and students, who rushed to the area to see what had happened.
“Within moments after the loud noise, people started shouting for help as the building came crashing down,” she said.
Videos and photographs making the rounds online showed a large crowd gathered at the scene as rescue workers, security personnel and volunteers searched through the debris for trapped victims.
A joint rescue team comprising the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, the Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies arrived at the scene in the early hours of Monday and immediately commenced rescue operations.
Using heavy-duty excavators and other specialised equipment, emergency responders methodically removed rubble in a concerted effort to identify survivors while guaranteeing the safety of rescue workers.
The situation remained tense as worried locals, students, and sympathisers observed the operation, while security personnel blocked off the area to avoid disturbances and allow emergency responders full access.
As of 6:55 p.m., rescue crews have found the body of another male victim, bringing the total number of fatalities to two.
Ndidi Omega, the acting Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, verified the recovery of the female victim’s body and stated that three injured people had already been rescued and transported to the hospital.
She said, “One female body was recovered, while three persons were rescued and taken to the hospital. The rescue operation will continue until every section of the debris has been thoroughly searched.”
Chukwudi Chiketa, Head of Media and Publicity for the Anambra State Fire Service, also confirmed the development.
“Upon arrival at the scene, fire service personnel immediately commenced search and rescue operations in collaboration with other emergency responders.
“Regrettably, one female victim was recovered from the rubble. She was confirmed dead at the scene, and her body was evacuated and handed over to the appropriate authorities for deposition in a mortuary.
“Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to determine whether any other persons remain trapped beneath the debris.
“The cause of the building collapse was yet to be determined and remains under investigation,” Chiketa said.
He advised the public to remain away from the area so that emergency police could perform their duties safely.
However, Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, has asked for calm, stating that officers secured the site shortly after getting the distress call.
“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 said.
He added that rescue operations were ongoing to determine whether more victims remained trapped, noting that the total number of casualties could not yet be confirmed.
“Some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and taken to a hospital in Oko, where they are receiving treatment.
“Residents are advised to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access,” he added.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sealed off the premises of the collapsed building.
A NEMA official said the action was necessary to facilitate uninterrupted rescue operations and enable investigators to determine the cause of the collapse.
“The building has been sealed with red tape and barricaded to restrict movement around the premises. Before now, some students and residents were loitering around the site, thereby distracting rescue workers,” the official said.
