The management of the University of Benin has said that no life was lost in the building collapse that occurred in the early hours of Saturday at Ekosodin as three trapped students had been rescued.
In a statement made available to PUNCH Online by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Benedicta Ehanire said the rescued students were recovering in the hospital.
The statement added that some of the trapped students have been rescued while the search for others is continuing.
The statement of UNIBEN read, “The management of the University of Benin says the three students of the Institution who were rescued from the collapsed storey building at Ekosodin neighbouring community are in stable condition in hospital.
“Reports indicate that the building, where the students resided, collapsed on Saturday morning following the downpour which began Friday afternoon, and that no life was lost.
“Rescue team comprising staff of the Security and Fire service departments, the Health Centre, students as well as the Police succeeded in rescuing the students who were first taken to the institution’s Health Centre before two of them were later taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
“Management wishes the affected students speedy recovery and commends the rescue team for their gallantry.
Earlier on Saturday, the student community at Ekosodin was thrown into panic when a story building on Ekhator Street, Benin, collapsed during the early morning downpour in the state.
Ekosodin borders the University of Benin and has a huge student population, such as those who cannot get accommodation in the school and opt to live in the area.
One of the students at the scene, who pleaded anonymity, said that a university rescue team managed to extract some of the trapped occupants, though several were severely injured.
He stated that the injured victims were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
“The rescue team is still searching for one of the victims who remains trapped inside the rubble called from inside, and the rescue team has continued its search to locate and rescue her and others who are still trapped,” the student said.
The Dean of Students from UNIBEN was said on the scene, coordinating rescue efforts alongside the university team.
When our correspondent contacted the State Fire service, an official in the control room, who identified himself as Sylvester, said that three of its trucks were there to assist in the rescue.
“Our men are on the ground to help in the rescue mission,” he added.
When contacted earlier on Saturday, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident.
He said, “Rescue operations are still ongoing, and until that is concluded, we cannot confirm whether there are death casualties or not.
“As soon as I have the report, we will let you know,” he said.
