University of Benin Building Collapse: All Students Rescued, Investigation Underway

The Edo State Government has confirmed that all students trapped in a collapsed three-storey building near the University of Benin have been successfully rescued. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, and the students are now receiving medical care. The building collapse, which occurred on Ekhator Street, off Ekosodin Road, has prompted the state government to initiate a full investigation into the cause of the incident and audit the structural integrity of surrounding buildings in the area.

In a statement, Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, expressed gratitude to the emergency responders and local residents who acted swiftly to manage the situation. Teams from the Edo State Fire Service and the State Command and Control Centre were on-site immediately after the collapse to ensure a thorough rescue operation. Excavators and other equipment are now being used to clear debris and secure the remaining parts of the building.

The collapse happened following heavy rainfall, which began on Friday afternoon and continued through Saturday morning. Thankfully, all three students were rescued alive. Two of them were taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for further medical attention, while the third remains stable in the university's health centre.

The management of the University of Benin commended the swift actions of the security and fire service departments, the health centre staff, students, and the police, whose efforts ensured a successful rescue. The institution expressed relief that no lives were lost and wished the rescued students a speedy recovery.