A multi-storey building housing university students has collapsed in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, following heavy rainfall on Saturday morning, according to a report by the punchng.com.
The incident occurred in Ekosodin, an area bordering the University of Benin that is popular with students unable to secure on-campus accommodation.
Eyewitnesses report that some students have been rescued, but others remain trapped in the rubble. A university rescue team is working alongside the State Fire Service to locate and free those still inside.
One student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “The rescue team managed to evacuate some of the trapped occupants, but several were severely injured and rushed to hospital.”
The same source added that at least one student had made contact from within the collapsed structure, spurring rescuers to intensify their efforts.
The Dean of Student Affairs is reportedly on site coordinating the rescue operation with the university team.
Sylvester, an official from the State Fire Service control room, confirmed that three fire engines had been dispatched to assist with the rescue mission.
As of now, the university management has not released an official statement regarding the cause of the collapse or the total number of individuals affected.
The incident has caused significant distress among the student community, with many anxiously awaiting news of their classmates.
Local authorities are urging residents to stay clear of the area to allow emergency services unimpeded access to the site.
