Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - Two people have been confirmed de@d, while three others were rescued after a three-storey hostel building, identified as Elite Five-Star Lodge, collapsed in Amaokpala, near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The building, Elite Five-Star Lodge, reportedly contained
about 60 rooms and collapsed on Sunday night, July 26, while occupants, most of
them students, were inside.
Eyewitnesses said the structure suddenly gave way after a
loud sound was heard. One resident, Ifeoma, told PUNCH that the noise drew
students and neighbours to the scene moments before the building came crashing
down.
“We heard a very loud noise before the building collapsed.
The noise attracted many residents and students, who rushed to the area to see
what had happened.
“Within moments after the loud noise, people started
shouting for help as the building came crashing down,” she said.
Rescue operations commenced in the early hours of Monday,
with personnel from the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the National Emergency
Management Agency, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, the Anambra
State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies
working together to search the debris. Heavy-duty excavators and specialised
equipment were deployed to locate survivors while ensuring the safety of rescue
workers.
The acting Executive Secretary of the Anambra State
Emergency Management Agency, Ndidi Omega, confirmed that one female victim was
recovered dead while three injured persons were rescued alive and taken to
hospital.
“One female body was recovered, while three persons were
rescued and taken to the hospital. The rescue operation will continue until
every section of the debris has been thoroughly searched,” Omega said.
However, rescue efforts later recovered the body of another
male victim, bringing the death toll to two.
The Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said firefighters immediately joined other emergency responders in the search operation upon arrival at the scene.
“Upon arrival at the scene, fire service personnel immediately commenced search and rescue operations in collaboration with other emergency responders.
“Regrettably, one female victim was recovered from the
rubble. She was confirmed dead at the scene, and her body was evacuated and
handed over to the appropriate authorities for deposition in a morgue.
“Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to determine
whether any other persons remain trapped beneath the debris.
“The cause of the building collapse was yet to be determined
and remains under investigation,” Chiketa said.
He appealed to members of the public to stay away from the
scene to enable emergency personnel to carry out rescue operations safely and
without obstruction.
The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command,
Tochukwu Ikenga, said police officers swiftly secured the area after receiving
a distress call and coordinated rescue operations alongside other agencies.
“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,”
Ikenga said.
He added: “Some injured victims have been rescued from the
debris and taken to a hospital in Oko, where they are receiving treatment.
“Residents are advised to remain calm, avoid spreading
unverified information and stay away from the scene to allow emergency
responders unrestricted access.”
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