An unspecified number of tertiary institution students and residents are feared trapped beneath the rubble after a three-storey private hostel building collapsed in the early hours of Monday in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The structure, popular among students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station in the Amokpala community, gave way late Sunday night into Monday morning, triggering panic and chaotic rescue efforts across the area.
Eyewitness Accounts & Late-Night Panic
According to local residents and eyewitnesses, a loud structural bang echoed through the neighborhood moments before the multi-storey residential complex caved in entirely:
“We heard a very loud noise before the building collapsed. The noise attracted many residents and students, who rushed to the scene… And within moments after the loud noise, occupants trapped inside started shouting for help beneath the rubble.” — Ifeoma, Community Eyewitness
Key Incident & Location Details
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ AMOKPALA HOSTEL COLLAPSE SUMMARY │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • Structure Name : Elite Five Star Lodge (3-Storey Residential) │
│ │
│ • Incident Location: Amokpala, near Tonimas Station, Orumba North LGA │
│ (Adjacent to Federal Polytechnic, Oko) │
│ │
│ • Primary Occupants: Tertiary institution students & local tenants │
│ │
│ • Emergency Teams : Anambra Fire Service, SEMA, Joint Police Teams, │
│ and local community volunteers. │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
(Sources: Anambra State Police Command & Local Emergency Responders)
Security & Emergency Response
Confirming the tragedy, Spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that a police-led joint security team alongside emergency services has cordoned off the scene as heavy search-and-rescue operations continue.
First responders from the Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), supported by student volunteers, are clearing debris in a race against time to recover trapped victims. Authorities have urged calm as casualty figures and structural integrity reviews are being compiled.
Ayodele Quadri
Correspondent
