Search Ongoing After Building Collapses in Anambra

Rescue teams have recovered the body of a female victim from the rubble of a collapsed three-storey building in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, as emergency responders continue efforts to locate others who may still be trapped.

The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, is located beside Tonimas Filling Station in the Amokpala area of Oko. The structure collapsed on Sunday night, trapping several occupants beneath the debris and sending panic through the Federal Polytechnic Oko community.

Videos from the scene showed anxious residents gathering around the site as rescue workers searched through the rubble.

The Anambra State Police Command, alongside other security agencies, quickly responded to the incident to secure the area and coordinate rescue efforts.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said officers were mobilized immediately after receiving a distress call.

According to him, the police worked with the Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to carry out rescue operations.

Ikenga said several injured victims had been pulled from the debris and taken to a hospital in Oko for treatment while search continues for others who may still be trapped.

He noted that authorities have yet to determine the total number of casualties or those affected by the collapse.

The police spokesperson urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and stay away from the scene to allow emergency personnel unrestricted access as rescue efforts continue.