The Edo State Government has announced that emergency responders have successfully rescued all students trapped in the collapsed three-storey building on Ekhator Street, off Ekosodin Road, near the University of Benin in Benin City.
In a statement issued by Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, the government confirmed that there were no fatalities from the incident and that an investigation is underway to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse.
“The government confirms the collapse of a three-storey building on Ekhator Street, off Ekosodin Road, adjacent to the University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin City,” Osagie stated.
He further noted that a rescue team was swiftly deployed to the site, and all trapped students were rescued alive and are currently receiving medical care.
Osagie added, “Emergency responders, including the Edo State Fire Service and officials from the Edo State Command and Control Centre, have verified that there are no reported fatalities at this time. Excavators and other heavy machinery have been brought in to clear the debris and address any remaining concerns with the structure.”
The government has initiated a full investigation into the causes of the collapse and has ordered an audit of other buildings in the vicinity to assess their structural integrity. Officials remain on-site to provide continuous updates on the situation.
“We commend the brave efforts of the emergency responders and the members of the community who assisted in managing the aftermath of the collapse,” Osagie concluded.
Earlier reports from Channels Television indicated that several students from the University of Benin had been trapped when the building collapsed during heavy rainfall on Saturday morning. Ekosodin, which borders the University of Benin, is home to a large student population.