Many Feared Trapped As Student Hostel Collapses In Anambra

A three-storey building used as a student hostel has collapsed in Oko, Anambra State, leaving several occupants feared trapped as rescue teams searched the rubble.

The building, known as Elite Five Star Lodge, was located beside Tonimas Filling Station in the Amokpala area of Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area. Reports said it came down late Sunday night or in the early hours of Monday, throwing nearby residents and passers-by into panic.

The exact number of people trapped or injured had not been confirmed. Witnesses said students were believed to be inside the building when it collapsed, but officials had not released a casualty figure.

Anambra police said a joint security team had joined rescue work at the scene. The police account said some trapped residents were rescued after the late-night collapse, while efforts continued on Monday morning to reach others under the rubble.

The incident has again raised concern over the safety of private hostels and multi-storey buildings around student communities. Oko hosts the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, and the surrounding area has many lodges serving students and other residents.

Emergency responders were still working at the site at the time of the reports. Authorities had not announced the immediate cause of the collapse.

Sources: Punch, Daily Post