Many students are reportedly trapped under the rubble of a two-story building on Ekhator Street in Benin, the state capital, which collapsed following an early morning downpour, causing alarm among the student community in Ekosodin, Edo State.
Ekosodin borders the University of Benin and has a large student population since those who are unable to find housing at the university choose to live in the area.
It was gathered that some of the trapped resident had been rescued, while the hunt for others continues.
One of the students on the scene, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated that a university rescue team was able to extract some of the trapped residents, though some were critically hurt.
He added that the injured victims were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
“The rescue team is still searching for one of the victims who remains trapped inside the rubble, called from inside, and the rescue team has continued its search to locate and rescue her and others who are still trapped,” the student said.
The Dean of Student Affairs is believed to be on the scene, coordinating rescue attempts with the university personnel.
As of the time of this report, university administration had yet to issue an official comment about the cause of the collapse or the overall number of people affected by the incident.
An official in the control room of the State Fire Service identified himself as Sylvester and stated that three of its trucks were present to assist with the rescue.
