A three-storey building used as a student hostel has collapsed in Amokpala, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, leaving an unknown number of occupants feared trapped beneath the rubble.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred late Sunday night at the Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station in Amokpala.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said a joint security and emergency response team had launched rescue operations immediately after receiving a distress call.
“The Anambra State Police-led joint security team assures the public that rescue operations are ongoing following the late-night incident on Sunday involving the collapse of a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, Amokpala, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state,” the statement read.
“The incident resulted in some occupants being trapped beneath the rubble.”
Ikenga said police officers, working alongside other security agencies, quickly secured the area to prevent further danger while coordinating rescue efforts.
He added that the Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also responded promptly and joined the operation.
According to the police, the number of casualties or people trapped has yet to be determined as search and rescue efforts continue.
“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 disclosed that several injured victims had already been pulled from the debris and taken to a hospital in Oko for treatment.
“Some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention,” he added.
The police spokesperson urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and keep away from the scene to allow emergency responders unhindered access.
“Members of the public, especially residents in the area, are urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access.
“Further updates will be communicated as more verified information becomes available.”
