Many feared dead, others trapped as private hostel near Oko Polytechnic collapses

Editor

A three-storey private hostel accommodating largely students of the Federal Polytechnic Oko has collapsed in Amokpala, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, leaving a yet-to-be-identified number of occupants trapped beneath the rubble.

The three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge is located beside Tonimas Filling Station, Amokpala, Oko, and the incident resulted in some occupants being trapped beneath the rubble.

Video clips of the scene showed residents of the area expressing shock over the calamity and offering assistance to the injured.

The Anambra State Police-led joint security team has, however, gotten to the site and assured to do their best in the situation.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, a Superintendent of Police, said that 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 (SEMA) also responded promptly and joined in the rescue operation.

Ikenga said rescue operations are ongoing to reach other persons who may still be trapped as the number of casualties or affected persons cannot yet be confirmed. Also, some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

He declined to give figures for casualties. Instead, he urged members of the public, especially residents in the area, to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and to stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access.