Federal Polytechnic Oko Denies Student Death in Anambra Hostel Collapse

The management of Federal Polytechnic, Oko has dismissed reports that any of its students died following the collapse of the privately owned Elite Five Star Hostel in Amaokpala. In a statement issued on Monday, the institution's Public Relations Officer, Dr. Oguegbu Udoka, explained that the building was located outside the polytechnic campus and accommodated both students and non-students. According to the school, no Federal Polytechnic Oko student has been confirmed among the fatalities. The institution added that the two individuals initially believed to have been trapped under the debris were not students of the polytechnic. It also noted that many students had already left campus after completing their second-semester examinations before the incident occurred. The Rector, Dr. Chioma Awuzie, visited the scene with officials of the institution to assess the situation, while representatives of the Anambra State Government joined emergency responders during the rescue operation. The management urged members of the public to disregard reports claiming that its students died in the collapse, assuring that it would continue to monitor developments and provide updates as rescue efforts progress. Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency sealed off the affected building as emergency operations continued. Rescue officials recovered the body of a female victim from the rubble, while three injured persons were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Acting Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Ndidi Omega, confirmed that a young man was still believed to be trapped beneath the collapsed structure. She said search and rescue teams would continue operations until every part of the debris had been thoroughly examined. Emergency responders, supported by heavy equipment, continued clearing the site under tight security as officials worked to account for everyone who had been inside the building when it collapsed.