A three-storey private hostel accommodating students of the Federal Polytechnic Oko has collapsed in Amokpala, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, leaving an undetermined number of occupants trapped beneath the rubble.

The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, reportedly caved in late Sunday night near Tonimas Filling Station in the Oko Polytechnic community.

The incident triggered panic among residents and students as cries for help were reportedly heard from beneath the debris shortly after the structure collapsed.

Emergency responders immediately launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, with personnel from the Anambra State Police Command, the Anambra State Fire Service, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and other security and emergency agencies deployed to the scene.

Several victims have so far been rescued from the collapsed building and rushed to a hospital in Oko for medical treatment. Their identities and the extent of their injuries were not immediately disclosed.

Rescue teams continued operations on Monday in an effort to reach other occupants believed to be trapped under the rubble, while heavy equipment and emergency personnel remained at the site.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities said the exact number of casualties, injured persons and those still trapped could not be confirmed, as rescue efforts were ongoing.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said a police-led joint security team responded swiftly to secure the area and coordinate emergency operations aimed at preventing further loss of life.

He said the security cordon around the scene was necessary to ensure the safety of rescue workers and facilitate unhindered access to the collapsed structure.

Ikenga appealed to residents and members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and stay away from the scene to enable emergency responders carry out their work effectively.

He added that the police command would provide further updates as rescue operations progressed and more verified information became available.

The cause of the building collapse has yet to be determined, and authorities have not announced whether an investigation has been launched into the incident.