Edo building collapse: Trapped students rescued as govt orders investigations

The Edo State Government has announced that all the trapped students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in the collapsed three-storey building have been rescued.

DAILY POST reports that the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City.

Osagie, who confirmed that no fatalities were recorded, added that the state government has ordered a full investigation to determine the immediate and remote causes of the collapse.

He also stated that the government has ordered an audit of other buildings in the area to assess their structural integrity.

According to him, the government confirmed the collapse of the three-storey building on Ekhator Street, off Ekosodin Road, beside the University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin City.

“A rescue team was deployed to the site of the incident, and all the trapped students have been rescued alive and are receiving medical attention.

“Emergency responders, including the Edo State Fire Service and officials from the Edo State Command and Control Centre, deployed to the scene of the accident, have confirmed that there are no fatalities from the incident at this time.

“Excavators and other heavy equipment are on-site to clear the rubble and remove the remaining parts of the distressed building.

“The government has ordered a full investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the collapse, as well as an audit of other buildings in the area to ascertain their status.

“The state government has stationed officials at the site to provide updates on the incident.

“We appreciate the gallant work of the emergency responders and the good Samaritans in the community who provided assistance in managing the situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the management of the University of Benin said the three students rescued from the collapsed building are in stable condition in the hospital.

A statement by the university’s spokesperson, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, noted that the building collapsed on Saturday morning following heavy rainfall, which began Friday afternoon.

She confirmed that while no lives were lost, two of the students were taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

“The rescue team, comprising staff of the Security and Fire Service departments, the Health Centre, students, and the police succeeded in rescuing the students, who were first taken to the institution’s Health Centre before two of them were later transferred to UBTH.”

She added that the management wished the affected students a speedy recovery and commended the rescue team for their gallantry.