A storey building on Ekhator Street in Ekosodin, near the University of Benin, collapsed during the early hours of Saturday following heavy rainfall, sparking panic among the student population in the area.
Ekosodin, which is home to a large number of students due to its proximity to the university, became the focus of a rescue operation as several students were trapped under the debris.
According to witnesses, some victims have been pulled out from the wreckage, while the search for others continues.
One student, who requested anonymity, reported that a rescue team from the university was able to save a number of trapped individuals, many of whom sustained serious injuries. “The injured have been taken to the hospital for treatment,” the student said.
Rescue workers are reportedly still searching for at least one person who is believed to be alive under the rubble. “She called out from inside the collapsed building, and the team is continuing its efforts to locate and save her and any others who may still be trapped,” the witness added.
University officials, led by the Dean of Student Affairs, are said to be coordinating rescue efforts on the ground, but no official statement has yet been issued by the university regarding the cause of the collapse or the total number of victims.
In response to the incident, Sylvester, an official with the Edo State Fire Service, confirmed that three fire trucks had been dispatched to the scene to assist with rescue operations. “Our team is on the ground, working to aid the search and rescue mission,” he said.
