The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, has refuted reports claiming that students of the institution died or were trapped in the building that collapsed on Sunday night in Amaokpala.
In a statement issued on Monday, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Oguegbu Celestine Udoka, described the reports circulating on social media as false and misleading, clarifying that the collapsed structure was not located within the Polytechnic campus.
According to the statement, the affected building is a privately owned lodge situated in Amaokpala, a neighbouring community to Oko, and accommodates both students and non-students.
The Polytechnic explained that the incident occurred after the completion of the second-semester examinations, noting that many students had already vacated their hostels and travelled home for the academic break.
“The building involved in the incident is not within the premises of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko. It is a privately owned facility occupied by a mix of students and non-students,” the statement said.
The institution further disclosed that the building, popularly known as the 5 Elite Storey Building and located near Tonimas Filling Station, collapsed late Sunday night.
It stressed that contrary to widespread speculation, no student of the Polytechnic has been confirmed dead, adding that no fatality had been officially recorded as of the time the statement was released.
Following the incident, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, visited the scene early Monday morning to assess the situation and ascertain the welfare of students who might have been affected.
She was accompanied by the Students’ Union Government President, Giant Comrade Anuluonye Ifechukwu Joseph, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, the Chief Security Officer, and other members of staff.
Also present at the scene were the Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Architect Okey Ezeobi, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike, who monitored the rescue operations and assessed the situation.
The Polytechnic said preliminary reports indicated that several occupants had been rescued and taken to a nearby hospital, where they were receiving treatment for injuries said to be non-life-threatening.
It added that rescue workers were still searching for about two individuals believed to be trapped beneath the rubble, noting that they were not students of the institution.
The management urged the public to disregard unverified reports regarding the incident and assured that it would continue to monitor developments while prioritising the safety and welfare of its students.
It also commended emergency responders, security agencies, government officials, and volunteers for their swift response and ongoing rescue efforts, promising to provide further updates as more verified information becomes available.
By Sunny A. David
