Oko Polytechnic Debunks Reports of Students’ Deaths in Anambra Building Collapse

By Praise Chinecherem

The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, has dismissed widespread reports claiming that several of its students died or were trapped when a multi-storey building collapsed on Sunday night, describing the claims as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic.

In a statement issued on Monday, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Oguegbu Celestine Udoka, clarified that the collapsed structure was not located within the Polytechnic’s campus but in Amaokpala, a neighbouring community to Oko. He further stated that the privately owned building accommodated both students and non-students.

According to the Polytechnic, there has been no confirmed death of any Federal Polytechnic, Oko student as a result of the incident.

“The Federal Polytechnic, Oko, wishes to state categorically that the collapsed building is not located within the premises of the Polytechnic,” Udoka said.

“The incident occurred at Amaokpala, a neighbouring community, and involved a privately owned lodge occupied by both students and non-students.”

The institution explained that the building, popularly known as the 5 Elite Storey Building and located beside Tonimas Filling Station, caved in late on Sunday night.

The Polytechnic faulted social media reports suggesting that the collapse occurred within the institution or that all the occupants were students.

“Contrary to some misleading reports circulating on social media, the incident did not occur inside the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, neither were all the occupants of the building students of the Polytechnic,” the statement added.

The management also noted that the incident happened shortly after students completed their second-semester examinations. According to the institution, many students had already vacated their hostels and travelled home for the ongoing short break before the building collapsed.

“As of the time of filing this report, no student of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has been confirmed dead, and no life has been lost in the unfortunate incident,” the statement stressed.

The Polytechnic disclosed that its Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, visited the scene as early as 6:36 a.m. on Monday to assess the situation and determine whether any students were affected.

She was accompanied by the President of the Students’ Union Government, Giant Comrade Anuluonye Ifechukwu Joseph, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Comrade Chibuzo Asomugha, the institution’s Chief Security Officer and other senior officials.

Also present at the scene were the Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Architect Okey Ezeobi, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike, who joined emergency responders in assessing the situation and coordinating rescue efforts.

The institution said preliminary reports indicated that several occupants had been rescued and taken to a nearby hospital, where they were receiving treatment for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.

It added that rescue workers were still searching for about two persons believed to be trapped beneath the rubble, noting that the individuals were reportedly not students of the Polytechnic.

“Information gathered as of the time of this report indicates that some occupants have already been rescued and are receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital for injuries reportedly described as not life-threatening,” Udoka said.

“It is further understood that approximately two persons, who are reportedly not students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, may still be trapped, with rescue personnel continuing efforts to locate and rescue them.”

The management urged members of the public and media organisations to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary anxiety among students, parents and the general public.

It reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of students while commending emergency responders, government officials, security agencies and volunteers for their swift response to the incident.

“The institution commends the emergency responders, government officials, local volunteers, security personnel and other individuals involved in the rescue operation. Further updates will be provided as credible information becomes available,” the spokesperson said.

Conflicting Claims Surface

Meanwhile, conflicting information emerged from the scene of the disaster, with a viral video circulating on social media claiming that one of the victims trapped beneath the debris had died.

The video, posted by Ifeanyi Ezefunamba, purportedly showed the body of a female victim lying motionless beneath the collapsed structure.

Sharing the footage, Ezefunamba wrote:

“What a LOSS. One of the Person trapped in the building that collapsed has been found but Dead 💔💔💔”

However, as of the time of filing this report, emergency authorities had not officially confirmed the claim, while rescue operations were still ongoing.