An unspecified number of people are feared dead and several others are still 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 collapsed building, Elite Five Star Lodge, is beside Tonimas Filling Station in the Amokpala area behind the institution. The cause of the collapse is yet to be known.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, involving volunteers, the Anambra State Police Command, the Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Some victims have been rescued from the rubble and taken to a hospital in Oko, while bodies recovered from the scene have been deposited in a mortuary. Authorities have not confirmed the number of casualties.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, saying police and other security agencies responded after receiving a distress call and secured the area to prevent further danger.
In a statement, Ikenga said: “The Anambra State Police-led joint security team assures ongoing rescue operations following the late-night incident on Sunday, July 26, 2026, involving the collapse of a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, Amokpala, in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
“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.
“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.
“Some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention.”
The police urged residents to remain calm, avoid unverified information and keep away from the scene so emergency workers can continue rescue operations without obstruction.
