Building Collapse at UNIBEN: Several Students Trapped, Rescue Operations Save Some as Search Continues

Several students of the University of Benin have been trapped in a three- storey building that collapsed at Ekhosodin community, an off-campus residential area dominated by students of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, Ugbowo .

The building reportedly collapsed following a heavy downpour that started in the early hours of Saturday which lasted till about 10 am.

An eyewitness, who is a staff of the university, said “The incident happened early in the morning on Saturday. We were on duty when we got the call, and we went to the scene. Some people have been rescued; others are still trapped. We are calling for more hands to ensure that the occupants are rescued. I am still at the scene.”

Reacting to the incident, management of the university said the three students of the Institution who were rescued from the collapsed storey building were in stable condition in the hospital. 

Giving an update on the building collapse in a statement Saturday evening, the management said “Reports indicate that the building, where the students resided, collapsed Saturday morning following the downpour which began Friday afternoon, and that no life was lost.

“Rescue team comprising staff of the Security and Fire service departments, the Health Centre, students, as well as the Police, succeeded in rescuing the students who were first taken to the institution’s Health Centre before two of them were later taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Management wishes the affected students speedy recovery and commends the rescue team for their gallantry”.