No student died in hostel collapse, Anambra federal poly insists
July 27, 2026 4:38 pm
Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State main gate. Photo: Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, has insisted that none of its students died in the collapse of the Elite Five Star Hostel in Amaokpala, near the institution, in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state on Sunday night.
In a statement issued on Monday, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Oguegbu Udoka, clarified that the building, located in Amaokpala and not within the polytechnic, was a privately owned lodge occupied by both students and non-students.
Udoka said, “No Federal Polytechnic, Oko, student has been confirmed dead in the collapsed building. The two persons believed to be trapped in the rubble are reportedly not students of our institution.
“Most students had already left campus after completing their second-semester examinations before the incident occurred.
“The Rector of the institution, Dr Chioma Awuzie, visited the scene on Monday morning alongside school officials to assess the situation, while state government officials also joined the rescue efforts.”
The institution urged the public to disregard contrary reports, assuring all that it would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as rescue operations continue.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency has sealed off the premises of the collapsed building.
This is just as the lifeless body of a female victim has been recovered from the rubble, while three rescued victims are receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital.
The atmosphere at the scene remained tense as anxious residents, students and sympathisers watched the operation with growing concern.
Using heavy-duty excavators and other rescue equipment, emergency workers were seen carefully removing debris in a coordinated effort to locate anyone who might still be trapped while ensuring the safety of rescue personnel.
Security personnel cordoned off the area to prevent interference and ensure emergency responders had unrestricted access, while officials continued to account for all occupants of the collapsed structure.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Ndidi Omega, who confirmed the recovery of the female victim’s body, said the body of a young man was still trapped beneath the rubble.
Omega added that three injured persons had earlier been taken to the hospital for treatment.
She said the rescue operation would continue until every section of the debris had been thoroughly searched.
Ikenna Obianeri is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 10 years of experience in reporting and storytelling. He conducts incisive interviews, covers crime and environmental issues, and produces engaging feature stories tailored for digital audiences. Ikenna’s work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to impactful, audience-focused journalism
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