Two dead, three rescued after hostel building falls in Anambra

Two people have died, and three others were saved after a three-storey hostel called Elite Five Star Lodge collapsed in Amaokpala, close to the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The building, which had around 60 rooms, fell on Sunday night. Residents and passers-by were thrown into panic as many people, mostly students, were trapped under the rubble for hours before help arrived.

Eyewitnesses said the building fell while people were inside.

One local, Ifeoma, who saw what happened, told PUNCH Metro that a loud noise came before the collapse. "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.

Videos and photos shared online showed a large crowd at the scene as rescue workers, security personnel, and volunteers searched through the debris for trapped victims.

PUNCH Metro learned that a rescue team made up of 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 arrived early on Monday and began rescue efforts.

Using heavy excavators and other equipment, emergency workers carefully removed debris in a well-organized effort to find survivors while keeping the rescue personnel safe.

The atmosphere was tense as worried residents, students, and sympathizers watched the operation. Security officers cordoned off the area to keep it clear for emergency responders.

By 6:55 p.m., rescue workers found the body of another male victim, raising the death toll to two.

The acting Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Ndidi Omega, confirmed the recovery of the female victim's body and said three injured people had been rescued and taken to the hospital.

She stated, "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."

Chukwudi Chiketa, the Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, also confirmed the situation. "Upon arrival at the scene, fire service personnel immediately began 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 taken away for proper handling."

"Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to see if any other people are trapped under the debris. The cause of the building collapse is still being investigated," Chiketa added.

He advised people to stay away from the area to help emergency officers do their jobs safely.

Meanwhile, Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, asked for calm. He said police secured the scene right after they got the distress call.

"Upon receiving the distress report, the police and other security agencies quickly went to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger, and coordinated rescue efforts," Ikenga said. He noted that rescue operations were ongoing to see if more victims were trapped, and the total number of casualties was still not confirmed.

"Some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and taken to a hospital in Oko, where they are getting treatment. Residents are urged to stay calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and keep away from the scene to let emergency responders work freely," he said.

In the meantime, the National Emergency Management Agency has closed off the area around the collapsed building. An official from NEMA, who wanted to remain unnamed, said this was necessary to ensure rescue operations continue without interruption and to help investigators figure out why the building fell.

"The building has been sealed with red tape and barricades to limit access around the area. Before now, some students and residents were lingering around the site, distracting rescue workers," the official said.