The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sealed the premises of the collapsed Elite Five Star Hostel in Amaokpala, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The three-storey hostel collapsed leaving an unspecified number of persons trapped beneath the rubble.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency responders working to search for and evacuate victims.
Personnel from relevant emergency and security agencies remain at the scene as efforts continue to ensure that all those trapped are rescued.
Reacting, the Anambra State Police Command in a release by its spokesperson, SP. Tochukwu Ikenga, noted that rescue operations are ongoing
“The Anambra State Police-led joint security team assures ongoing rescue operations following the late-night incident on Sunday 26th July 2026, involving the collapse of a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, Amokpala, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of the State.
“The incident resulted in some occupants being trapped beneath the rubble.
“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 Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also responded promptly and joined in the rescue operation’. Ikenga stated.
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. Also, some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
To this end, members of the public especially residents in the area are urged to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access.
Also reacting, Public Relations Officer, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Oguegbu Celestine Udoka in a statement clarified misinformations, urging members of the public to disregard unverified reports, sensational claims, and misleading narratives concerning the incident.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, wishes to state categorically that the collapsed building is not located within the premises of the Polytechnic. The incident occurred at Amaokpala, a neighbouring community, and involved a privately owned lodge occupied by both students and non-students.
“The building, reportedly known as the 5 Elite Storey Building and located beside Tonimas Filling Station, collapsed late Sunday night. Contrary to some misleading reports circulating on social media, the incident did not occur inside the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, neither were all the occupants of the building students of the Polytechnic.
“The Polytechnic further wishes to clarify that, as of the time of filing this report, no student of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has been confirmed dead, and no life has been lost in the unfortunate incident.
“Upon receiving information about the incident, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, was at the scene as early as 6:36 a.m. to personally ascertain the extent of the incident and establish the welfare of students who might have been affected.
“The Rector was received at the scene by the President of the Students’ Union Government, Giant Comrade Anuluonye Ifechukwu Joseph, the Public Relations Officer of the Polytechnic, Dr. Oguegbu Celestine Udoka, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Comrade Chibuzo Asomugha, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the polytechnic, and other members of staff of the Polytechnic.
“The Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Architect Okey Ezeobi, alongside the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike, was also at the scene to assess the situation and support the ongoing rescue efforts.
“Information gathered as of the time of this report indicates that some occupants have already been rescued and are receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital for injuries reportedly described as not life threatening. It is further understood that approximately two persons, who are reportedly not students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, may still be trapped, with rescue personnel continuing efforts to locate and rescue them.
“It is important to note that the incident occurred after students of the Polytechnic had completed their second-semester examinations, with a significant number of students already having vacated their hostels and travelled home for the ongoing short break.
“The Federal Polytechnic, Oko, therefore urges members of the public to disregard unverified reports, sensational claims, and misleading narratives concerning the incident. In particular, reports suggesting that the collapse occurred inside the Polytechnic or that a large number of Polytechnic students are trapped in the building are false and misleading.
“The Polytechnic remains deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of its students and will continue to monitor the situation closely while rescue operations remain ongoing.
“The institution also commends the emergency responders, government officials, local volunteers, security personnel, and other individuals involved in the rescue operation”. The PRO stated.
