A three-storey student hostel known as Elite Star Lodge collapsed in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday night, trapping an unknown number of occupants beneath the rubble. The incident occurred beside Tonimas Filling Station in Amokpala, Oko, sparking panic among students and residents.
Collapse Details
Eyewitnesses reported that the building suddenly gave way while students were inside. Social media videos captured the aftermath, showing a section of the building completely caved in, with stunned residents, students, and passers-by gathering at the scene as rescue efforts began. The collapse sent shockwaves through the community, with many of those believed to be trapped being students living in the hostel. As of the time of this report, the exact number of casualties had not been confirmed, but some injured victims were pulled from the debris and rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Official Response
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated, "Anambra State Police-led joint security team assures ongoing rescue operations following the late-night incident on Sunday 26th July 2026, 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." Ikenga appealed to residents to remain calm as emergency responders continued search and rescue operations at the scene, with security agencies working alongside other emergency personnel to ensure those still trapped are reached as quickly as possible.
Rescue Efforts
Rescue workers, security personnel, and volunteers were seen combing through the debris in a race against time to locate survivors. The joint operation involved police, fire service, and local volunteers, who worked tirelessly through the night. Medical teams were on standby to provide immediate care to rescued victims. The police have urged the public to stay away from the site to allow rescue operations to proceed unimpeded.
Safety Concerns
The collapse has reignited concerns about building safety standards in Anambra State and across Nigeria. Similar incidents have occurred in recent years, often attributed to poor construction practices, use of substandard materials, and failure to adhere to regulatory guidelines. Students and residents have called for stricter enforcement of building codes to prevent future tragedies. Meanwhile, the state government has yet to issue an official statement on the collapse, but the police have assured the public that a full investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the incident.
As rescue efforts continue, the mood in the area remains tense, with families anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones. The Anambra State Police Command has promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.
