A three-storey students’ hostel has collapsed in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, leaving an unknown number of people feared dead while several others remain trapped beneath the rubble.
The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, is located beside Tonimas Filling Station in the Amokpala area, close to the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
The cause of the building collapse has not yet been established.
Emergency responders, including personnel of the Anambra State Police Command, the Anambra State Fire Service, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and volunteers, have launched a rescue operation to locate and evacuate those still trapped.
Several victims have already been rescued from the debris and rushed to a hospital in Oko for medical treatment. Bodies recovered from the scene have also been deposited in a mortuary, although authorities are yet to confirm the exact number of casualties.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said security agencies responded immediately after receiving a distress call on Sunday night.
According to Ikenga, police officers, alongside other emergency responders, secured the area to prevent further danger and coordinated rescue efforts.
He noted that operations are still ongoing, stressing that it is too early to determine the total number of victims or casualties.
“The Anambra State Police-led joint security team is continuing rescue operations following the collapse of the three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge,” Ikenga said.
He added that injured victims had been evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are receiving treatment, while emergency teams continue searching for anyone who may still be trapped under the debris.
The police also appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and keep away from the scene to allow rescue workers unhindered access as efforts continue.
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