A three-storey building used as a student hostel, known as Elite Five Star Lodge, has collapsed in Amokpala, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, trapping an unknown number of occupants beneath the rubble.
The building, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, came down in the early hours of Monday, sending residents and passers-by into a panic as students believed to be inside at the time were left trapped.
The exact number of casualties could not be immediately confirmed, but eyewitnesses said the structure gave way while students were still inside.
One eyewitness, who identified herself simply as Ifeoma, recounted the moment the building fell:
“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 a large crowd gathered at the scene as rescue workers, security personnel and volunteers combed through the debris in search of survivors.
Officials of the Anambra State Fire Service, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency and other emergency responders were said to be actively carrying out rescue operations at the scene.
The spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday and urged residents to remain calm while rescue efforts continued.
“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,” Ikenga said.
He added that efforts to reach any remaining trapped persons were ongoing, and that the full number of casualties or those affected could not yet be confirmed.
“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.