A tragic building collapse in Anambra State has claimed the lives of two students and left three others injured. The incident occurred on Sunday night at Amaokpala, Oko, in the Orumba North Local Government Area. The three-storey structure, known as Elite Five Star Lodge, was primarily occupied by students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ndidi Omega, confirmed the fatalities. “Yesterday (Monday), two dead bodies were recovered — a boy and a girl,” she said. “Then, the night that the incident happened, three people were rescued alive, but they were taken to a hospital because they were injured.”
The rescue operation, which began immediately after the collapse, continued through Monday. Ms Omega stressed that the final report was not yet available as the operation was still ongoing as of Tuesday morning. “It is not yet an official report because the (rescue) operation is still ongoing now,” she added.
Background and Initial Reports
Earlier reports had indicated that several undergraduates were feared trapped under the rubble. Emergency responders, including personnel from SEMA and local authorities, mobilized quickly to the scene. The collapse of the Elite Five Star Lodge has raised concerns about building safety standards in the area, particularly for structures housing students.
Ongoing Investigations
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the collapse. Investigations are underway, and officials are expected to release a comprehensive report once the rescue and recovery efforts conclude. The injured students are receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital, and their conditions are not publicly known.
This incident highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building regulations to prevent such tragedies. The community of Oko and the Federal Polytechnic are in mourning as they await further updates.
