Panic gripped the student community of Ekosodin, Edo State, on Saturday morning as a storey building on Ekhator Street, Benin, collapsed during a heavy downpour.
Ekosodin, which borders the University of Benin, is home to a large student population, many of whom live off-campus due to limited accommodation options within the school.
Eyewitnesses reported that several students were trapped in the rubble. Rescue efforts, led by the university’s rescue team, have already resulted in the evacuation of some of the trapped occupants, though many sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
A student present at the scene, speaking anonymously, confirmed the efforts of the rescue team, stating, “The team managed to rescue some victims, but unfortunately, others remain trapped. One victim even called from inside the rubble, and the search is ongoing to locate and save her.”
The Dean of Student Affairs was also reportedly at the scene, working alongside the university rescue team to oversee and coordinate the efforts. However, as of the time of this report, no official statement had been released by the university management regarding the cause of the collapse or the exact number of those affected.
The Edo State Fire Service has joined the rescue operation. A fire service official, Sylvester, confirmed, “We have three trucks on site, and our men are actively assisting in the rescue mission.” The search continues as emergency services work to locate any remaining victims trapped beneath the rubble.
