Federal Polytechnic Oko Debunks Death Rumours After Amaokpala Building Collapse
By Oguocha Chukwuebuka
The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that students of the institution lost their lives or were trapped in a building that collapsed on Sunday night in Amaokpala.
In a statement issued on Monday by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Oguegbu Celestine Udoka, the Polytechnic described the reports as inaccurate and misleading, stressing that the collapsed structure is not located within the institution’s campus.
According to the statement, the affected building is a privately owned lodge in Amaokpala, a neighbouring community to Oko, where both students and other residents are accommodated.
The institution noted that the incident occurred after the completion of the second-semester examinations, a period when many students had already vacated their lodges and returned home for the academic break.
“The collapsed building is not part of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko campus. It is a privately owned residential facility occupied by both students and non-students,” the statement explained.
The Polytechnic identified the structure as the popular 5 Elite Storey Building, located close to Tonimas Filling Station in Amaokpala, which gave way late on Sunday.
It further clarified that, contrary to widespread reports online, there has been no official confirmation of any student death resulting from the incident, adding that no fatality had been recorded at the time the statement was released.
To assess the situation firsthand, the Rector of the institution, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, visited the scene on Monday morning alongside the President of the Students’ Union Government, Giant Comrade Anuluonye Ifechukwu Joseph, the Public Relations Officer, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, the Chief Security Officer and other members of staff.
The visit also had in attendance the Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Architect Okey Ezeobi, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike, who monitored the rescue operations and evaluated the situation.
According to preliminary findings, several occupants were rescued from the rubble and taken to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
The management disclosed that rescue teams were still searching for about two persons believed to be trapped beneath the debris, noting that the individuals were not students of the Polytechnic.
While urging members of the public to disregard unverified information surrounding the incident, the institution reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of its students and pledged to keep the public informed as verified updates become available.
The Polytechnic also expressed appreciation to emergency responders, security agencies, government officials and volunteers for their prompt intervention and continued rescue efforts at the scene.
