Three students have been rescued alive after a three-storey hostel building near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko collapsed, triggering a major emergency response in Anambra State.
The Oko Polytechnic Hostel Collapse occurred at Elite Five Star Lodge, located in Amokpala, Orumba North Local Government Area, with an unknown number of occupants feared trapped beneath the debris.
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The rescued students were immediately taken to St. Michael Hospital, Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
Emergency teams, including police officers, firefighters, officials from the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (ASEMA) and other responders, have continued searching through the rubble for additional survivors.
Footage circulating online showed emergency workers, students and residents gathered around the collapsed structure as rescue efforts intensified.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the total number of occupants inside the building at the time of the collapse or the number of casualties recorded.
The cause of the collapse also remains unknown, with officials expected to begin investigations after rescue operations are completed.
The private lodge was reportedly occupied mainly by students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, raising concerns among the school community as families and colleagues await further updates.
Witnesses at the scene described a tense atmosphere as rescue workers carefully removed debris while searching for anyone who might still be trapped.
The incident has renewed concerns about building safety standards and enforcement, particularly around structures used for student accommodation in areas surrounding higher institutions.
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Rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities work to account for all occupants and provide further information on the situation.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
