Federal Polytechnic Oko Issues Fresh Update on Collapsed Hostel

• Federal Polytechnic Oko has denied reports that its students died in the collapsed Elite Five Star Hostel in Anambra, insisting no student has been confirmed dead as rescue operations continue.

The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, has dismissed reports claiming that students of the institution died in the collapse of the Elite Five Star Hostel in Amaokpala, insisting that no student has been confirmed dead.

In a statement issued on Monday by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Oguegbu Udoka, the polytechnic clarified that the collapsed building is a privately owned hostel located in Amaokpala, outside the school premises, and accommodates both students and non-students.

According to the institution, the two persons initially believed to be trapped beneath the rubble are reportedly not students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.

The management also noted that many students had already left campus after completing their second-semester examinations before the building collapsed on Sunday night.

The statement further disclosed that the Rector, Dr. Chioma Awuzie, visited the scene alongside other school officials on Monday morning to assess the situation, while officials of the Anambra State Government joined emergency responders in ongoing rescue operations.

The institution urged members of the public to disregard reports suggesting that its students died in the incident, assuring that it would continue to monitor developments and provide updates as rescue efforts continue.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sealed off the collapsed building, while emergency workers continue searching through the debris.

Rescue officials have so far recovered the body of a female victim, while three injured persons rescued from the rubble are receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.

The Acting Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ndidi Omega, also confirmed that the body of a young man is still believed to be trapped beneath the collapsed structure.

Emergency responders have vowed to continue the operation until every part of the debris has been thoroughly searched.