Panic and grief swept through the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Anambra State after a three-storey hostel building collapsed late Sunday night, trapping several occupants beneath the rubble.
Rescue teams are continuing efforts to search for and evacuate those trapped, while injured victims have been taken to hospital for treatment.
The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, is located beside Tonimas Filling Station in Amokpala, Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said a joint security team led by the police had launched rescue operations immediately after the collapse.
He said the rescue mission was still ongoing and assured the public that security agencies were working with other emergency responders to save lives.
Ikenga said the exact number of casualties had yet to be determined, noting that several people were believed to have been trapped when the building gave way.
He added that those rescued with injuries had been taken to a hospital in Oko for medical attention, while efforts continued to reach others still trapped under the debris.
Authorities are yet to establish the cause of the building collapse. Investigation into the incident is expected to begin after the rescue operation is completed.
