Students Feared Trapped in Collapsed Hostel at Oko Poly

An unspecified number of people are feared dead, while several others remain trapped after a three-storey students' hostel collapsed in Oko, host community of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The building, known as Elite Five Star Lodge, is located beside Tonimas Filling Station in the Amokpala area, behind the institution.

The collapse happened late Sunday night, July 26, and the cause has yet to be determined.

Rescue Teams Race to Reach Trapped Victims

Rescue operations are ongoing, with volunteers, the Anambra State Police Command, the Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) working to clear the rubble.

Some victims have been pulled from the debris and taken to a hospital in Oko for treatment, while bodies recovered from the scene have been deposited in a mortuary.

Authorities have yet to confirm the total number of casualties.

Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident, saying security personnel responded immediately after receiving a distress call and secured the area to prevent further danger.

“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.

Police Ask Public to Avoid Scene as Search Continues

“The Command notes that rescue operations are ongoing to reach other persons who may still be trapped, as the number of casualties or affected persons cannot yet be confirmed,” he added.

“Some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention,” the statement said.

The police have called on residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and stay away from the scene so emergency responders can work without obstruction.

The Federal Polytechnic Oko is one of Anambra State’s leading tertiary institutions, and privately owned lodges like Elite Five Star Lodge house many of its students who live off-campus.

Further updates on casualty figures are expected as search and rescue operations continue.