The University of Benin has confirmed that no lives were lost in the early morning building collapse at Ekosodin on Saturday.
According to a statement from the university’s Public Relations Officer, Benedicta Ehanire, three students trapped in the collapsed structure have been rescued and are currently recovering in the hospital.
The statement elaborates that while some students have been rescued, the search for others is ongoing. Ehanire stated, “The three students rescued from the collapsed storey building in Ekosodin are in stable condition. The building, which housed these students, collapsed due to heavy rainfall that began on Friday afternoon.”
The rescue operation, involving university security and fire service staff, health centre personnel, students, and the police, successfully saved the students. Initially taken to the university’s Health Centre, two of the students were subsequently transferred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for further treatment.
READ ALSO: Two-Storey Building Collapses in Delta State, Workers Trapped
The university management has praised the rescue teams for their swift and effective response and wishes the affected students a speedy recovery.
Earlier, the Ekosodin community experienced panic when a storey building on Ekhator Street collapsed amid the morning downpour. Ekosodin, a neighboring area with a large student population, often serves as accommodation for students unable to secure housing on campus.
An eyewitness, a student who chose to remain anonymous, reported that while some trapped occupants were rescued, several were severely injured. The rescue team is still searching for one student who remains trapped inside the debris.
READ ALSO: Kano Building Collapse: Death Toll Rises to 3, Says NEMA
The Dean of Students from UNIBEN was present at the scene, overseeing the rescue operations along with the university’s team. The State Fire Service deployed three trucks to assist in the mission, as confirmed by an official named Sylvester.
The Edo State Police Command, represented by spokesperson Moses Yamu, also confirmed the incident and stated that rescue operations are ongoing. Yamu mentioned that the situation would be reassessed once the rescue operations are complete.