Students trapped, scores feared dead as three-storey hostel collapses in Nigeria's Anambra State

Students are feared dead and several others remain trapped after a three-storey hostel collapsed in Oko, a host community of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Nigeria's Anambra State. The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, is reportedly located behind the institution. Rescue operations are ongoing, with volunteers working alongside personnel from the Police Command, Fire Service, and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to search for survivors. Several victims have been rescued and transported to a hospital in Oko for treatment, while bodies recovered have been deposited at a mortuary. Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of fatalities or those still trapped.

A statement issued by the police command said security agencies responded immediately after receiving a distress call. Police officers, in collaboration with other emergency responders, secured the area to prevent further danger and coordinated ongoing rescue efforts. The police noted that the number of casualties could not yet be confirmed as emergency teams continue searching the collapsed structure for additional victims. The police have appealed to residents to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and stay away from the scene to allow rescue personnel unrestricted access.