A devastating building collapse occurred in Ekosodin, Edo State, on Saturday morning, sending shockwaves through the student community. The storey building, located on Ekhator Street, Benin, crumbled during the early morning downpour, trapping students inside. Ekosodin, which borders the University of Benin, is a hub for students seeking accommodation due to the university’s limited housing capacity.
Eyewitnesses reported that a university rescue team swiftly responded to the scene, managing to evacuate some of the trapped occupants. However, several students were severely injured and rushed to the hospital for medical treatment. One student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the harrowing scene: “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 Dean of Student Affairs is currently on the scene, coordinating rescue efforts alongside the university team. Despite the ongoing rescue operation, the university management has yet to release an official statement regarding the cause of the collapse or the total number of individuals affected by the incident.
The State Fire Service has deployed three trucks to assist in the rescue mission. According to Sylvester, an official in the control room, “Our men are on ground to help in the rescue mission.” The rescue efforts continue, with the fate of the trapped students remaining uncertain. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and structural integrity of buildings in the area, particularly those accommodating students.
