The Edo State Government has announced that all students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) trapped in a collapsed three-storey building have been successfully rescued.
According to a statement by Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, no fatalities were recorded in the incident. The state government has launched a full investigation to determine the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse, while also ordering an audit of surrounding buildings to assess their structural integrity.
The collapse occurred on Ekhator Street, off Ekosodin Road, near the University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin City. A rescue team was swiftly deployed to the scene, and all trapped students have been rescued and are receiving medical care.
“Emergency responders, including the Edo State Fire Service and officials from the Edo State Command and Control Centre, were on site. Excavators and other equipment have been deployed to clear the rubble and remove the remaining parts of the building,” Osagie said, commending the efforts of responders and local community members who assisted in the rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, the University of Benin confirmed that the three rescued students are in stable condition. Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, spokesperson for the institution, stated that the building collapsed on Saturday morning after heavy rainfall. Two of the students were transferred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for further treatment, while the third remains at the university’s health center.
The university management commended the rescue team for their swift action and expressed wishes for the students’ speedy recovery.
