The management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has confirmed that no lives were lost in the building collapse that occurred early Saturday at Ekosodin, a neighboring community.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Benedicta Ehanire, stated that three students who were trapped in the collapsed building have been rescued and are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
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In a statement, the university noted that the rescued students are in stable condition and that the search for others potentially trapped is ongoing.
The collapse happened after heavy rainfall, which began on Friday afternoon, caused the building to give way.
“The three students of the Institution who were rescued from the collapsed storey building at Ekosodin are in stable condition,” the statement read.
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It also commended the rescue team, which comprised the university’s Security and Fire Service departments, the Health Centre, students, and the Police, for their swift and effective efforts in saving the trapped students.
The affected students were initially treated at the university’s Health Centre before two of them were transferred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for further care.
The university extended its best wishes to the victims for a speedy recovery.
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The incident caused panic within the student community in Ekosodin, a densely populated area bordering the University of Benin.
The area is popular among students who are unable to secure on-campus accommodation.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that a university rescue team successfully pulled out several students, although some were severely injured and rushed to the hospital.
One student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that efforts were still underway to locate one individual believed to be trapped under the rubble.
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UNIBEN’s Dean of Students was present at the site, helping coordinate the rescue mission alongside university officials.
The Edo State Fire Service also dispatched three fire trucks to assist in the operation.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, Moses Yamu, who noted that rescue efforts were still ongoing and that more information would be provided once the operation was concluded.
At the time of his statement, no fatalities had been confirmed.
