At least two people have been confirmed dead and three others injured after a three-storey building collapsed in Oko Community, Amaokpala, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, as emergency responders continue search and rescue operations.
The building, which served as an off-campus hostel for students of the Federal Polytechnic Oko and other residents, collapsed on Monday, prompting an emergency response by state authorities.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the day’s rescue efforts, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ndidi Omega, said rescue teams would resume operations to ensure no victims remained trapped beneath the rubble.
“The rescue operation will continue tomorrow, but at the end of today’s activity, two persons are confirmed dead and three injured,” Ms Omega said.
She added that the injured had been taken to hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government has sealed off the collapsed building and launched a manhunt for its owner and manager as investigations into the incident begin.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, said preliminary investigations pointed to warning signs of structural failure that were allegedly ignored.
According to him, there were indications of structural defects within the building, but the owner allegedly failed to address them, prioritising financial gains over the safety of occupants.
“The premises will remain sealed pending the conclusion of investigations,” Mr Ojukwu said.
He also announced that the government would begin integrity tests on buildings in the area to identify structures that may pose safety risks and said an official policy response would be announced after the investigation.
The latest collapse has renewed concerns over building safety standards and regulatory enforcement in Anambra State, particularly around student accommodation.
