A three-storey building in Benin, Edo State collapsed during a heavy downpour on Saturday.
The collapse happened on Ekhator Street, Ekosodin, a neighborhood predominantly housing students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
Eyewitnesses report that several UNIBEN students were trapped inside the building as it came crashing down.
One student, who asked to remain anonymous, shared their experience with SaharaReporters. “The university’s rescue team was able to extract some of the trapped occupants,” the student said. “However, several others were severely injured.”
The injured victims were quickly rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. “The rescue team is still searching for one person who is still trapped under the rubble,” the student added. “This individual called for help from inside the building, pleading for rescue.”
The Dean of Students from UNIBEN arrived at the scene and joined the rescue efforts. The university’s management has yet to issue an official statement regarding the collapse or confirm the number of people affected.
In an update six hours later, the university’s management confirmed that three students had been rescued from the collapsed building. According to the university, the students are in stable condition.
“The building collapsed due to the heavy downpour that began Friday afternoon and continued until Saturday morning,” the university’s statement read. “No lives were lost in the incident.”
The statement further detailed that the rescue operation involved various teams, including staff from the university’s Security and Fire Service departments, the Health Centre, students, and the Police.
The rescued students were initially taken to the university’s Health Centre. Two of them were later transferred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for further treatment.
The university praised the rescue teams for their bravery and swift action. “We commend the rescue teams for their gallantry and dedication,” the statement said. “We wish the affected students a speedy recovery.”
The heavy downpour that caused the collapse had been persistent since Friday afternoon, leading to concerns about the structural integrity of buildings in the area.
Local residents and students have called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse and for measures to ensure the safety of student housing.
