Rescue Operations Ongoing After Three-Storey Building Collapses in Anambra
By Chizoba Njaka
A coordinated rescue operation is underway after a three-storey building identified as Elite Five Star Lodge collapsed late Sunday night at Amokpala, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, trapping several occupants beneath the rubble.
The building, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, caved in on July 26, prompting an immediate emergency response from the Anambra State Police Command and other security agencies.
In a statement issued on July 27, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Police-led joint security team swiftly mobilised to the scene upon receiving a distress call. The area was secured to prevent further danger while rescue efforts commenced in collaboration with relevant emergency responders.
According to the statement, personnel of the Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) joined the operation to assist in searching for survivors and evacuating victims from the debris.
The police command disclosed that some injured occupants have already been rescued and taken to a hospital in Oko, where they are receiving medical treatment. However, rescue operations are still in progress, and authorities said the number of casualties or persons trapped could not yet be confirmed.
The command appealed to residents and members of the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and stay away from the disaster site to enable emergency personnel carry out their duties without obstruction assuring that further updates would be provided as more verified information becomes available.