The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, has dismissed as false and misleading reports claiming that a large number of its students were trapped in the three-storey building that collapsed on Sunday night in Amaokpala, Orumba North Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Monday, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Oguegbu Celestine Udoka, clarified that the collapsed structure was not located within the Polytechnic premises but in the neighbouring Amaokpala community, stressing that the building was a privately owned lodge occupied by both students and non-students.

According to the Polytechnic, contrary to reports circulating on social media, the incident did not occur on the institution’s campus and no student of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has been confirmed dead.
The institution also disclosed that the two persons believed to still be trapped beneath the rubble are reportedly not students of the Polytechnic.

“The incident occurred at Amaokpala, a neighbouring community, and involved a privately owned lodge occupied by both students and non-students.

“The building, reportedly known as the 5 Elite Storey Building and located beside Tonimas Filling Station, collapsed late Sunday night.

“Contrary to some misleading reports circulating on social media, the incident did not occur inside the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, neither were all the occupants of the building students of the Polytechnic.

“The Polytechnic further wishes to clarify that, as of the time of filing this report, no student of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has been confirmed dead, and no life has been lost in the unfortunate incident,” the statement read.

The management further explained that the collapse occurred after students had concluded their second-semester examinations, noting that many had already vacated their hostels and travelled home for the ongoing short break, thereby reducing the number of students still residing in the area.

Following the incident, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie, visited the scene at about 6:36 a.m. on Monday to assess the situation and ascertain the welfare of any students who might have been affected.

She was accompanied by the President of the Students’ Union Government, Giant Comrade Anuluonye Ifechukwu Joseph; the Public Relations Officer, Dr Oguegbu Celestine Udoka; the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Comrade Chibuzo Asomugha; the institution’s 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 assessed the situation and coordinated with emergency responders involved in the rescue operation.

The Polytechnic said information available as of the time the statement was issued indicated that several occupants had been rescued from the collapsed building and taken to a nearby hospital, where they were receiving treatment for injuries described as not life-threatening.

“It is further understood that approximately two persons, who are reportedly not students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, may still be trapped, with rescue personnel continuing efforts to locate and rescue them,” the statement added.

The institution urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports and misleading narratives surrounding the incident, assuring that it remains committed to the safety and welfare of its students and will continue to monitor developments.

It also commended emergency responders, security agencies, government officials, local volunteers and other individuals participating in the ongoing rescue efforts, assuring that further updates would be communicated as credible information becomes available.