A storey building on Ekhator Street in Ekosodin, near the University of Benin, Edo State, collapsed during an early morning downpour on Saturday, sparking panic in the student-populated area.
Several students were trapped in the rubble, though rescue teams have managed to evacuate some of the victims, according to witnesses. The injured have been taken to the hospital for treatment, while search efforts for remaining trapped individuals continue.
One of the students at the scene said that a victim who remains trapped inside the rubble made a distress call, prompting the university rescue team to intensify efforts to locate her.
The Dean of Student Affairs is overseeing rescue operations alongside the university’s rescue team, but no official statement has been released by the university management regarding the cause of the collapse or the total number of casualties.
The Edo State Fire Service, which dispatched three trucks to the scene, confirmed their involvement in the rescue mission.
An official from the service, identified as Sylvester, said their personnel were working to assist in the ongoing efforts.
