Occupants trapped as three-storey building collapses in Anambra

A three-storey building has collapsed in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, trapping an unspecified number of occupants beneath the rubble.

The incident occurred late on Sunday at the Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station in Amaokpala community, near Oko.

Confirming the development, the Anambra State Police Command said a joint security team immediately launched a rescue operation after receiving a distress call.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command said several occupants had been rescued, while emergency responders were continuing efforts to reach others believed to be trapped.

“The Anambra State Police-led joint security team assures ongoing rescue operations following the late-night incident on Sunday, July 26, 2026, involving the collapse of a three-storey building known as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, Amaokpala, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.

“The incident resulted in some occupants being trapped beneath the rubble. Upon receiving the distress report, the Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger, and coordinated rescue efforts,” Ikenga said.

He added that the Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also responded promptly and joined the rescue operation.

According to the police spokesperson, rescue efforts were still ongoing, making it impossible to immediately confirm the number of casualties or those affected by the collapse.

Ikenga disclosed that some injured victims had already been pulled from the debris and taken to a hospital in Oko, where they were receiving treatment.

The police urged residents and members of the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and stay away from the scene to allow emergency workers unhindered access to carry out rescue operations.