Tension as building collapses in Edo, many students trapped

The student community in Ekosodin, Edo State, was gripped by panic on Saturday morning after a storey building on Ekhator Street, Benin, collapsed during an early morning downpour.

The area, which borders the University of Benin, houses a significant number of students who live there due to a lack of on-campus accommodation.

Reports indicate that some of the trapped students have been rescued, while search efforts are ongoing for others.

According to an eyewitness, a university rescue team successfully evacuated several occupants, though many were severely injured.

The injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.

“The rescue team is still searching for one of the victims who remains trapped inside the rubble, called from inside and the rescue team has continued its search to locate and rescue her and others who are still trapped,” the student said.

The Dean of Student Affairs is said to be on the scene, coordinating rescue efforts alongside the university team.

As of the time of this report, the university management has yet to release an official statement regarding the cause of the collapse or the total number of individuals affected by the incident.

When PUNCH Online contacted the State Fire Service, an official in the control room, who identified himself as Sylvester, said that three of its trucks were there to assist in the rescue.

“Our men are on ground to help in the rescue mission,” he added.