The Edo State Government has confirmed that all students from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) trapped in the collapsed three-storey building near the institution have been successfully rescued.
This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, in a statement issued to newsmen in Benin City.
Osagie reported that there were no fatalities in the incident, which occurred on Ekhator Street, off Ekosodin Road, close to the University of Benin, Ugbowo campus.
He added that the state government has initiated a full investigation to uncover the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse.
“A rescue team was swiftly deployed to the scene, and all the trapped students have been rescued alive and are currently receiving medical attention,” Osagie confirmed.
He further stated that the Edo State Fire Service, alongside officials from the State Command and Control Centre, were instrumental in the successful rescue operation.
In response to the collapse, the Edo State Government has also ordered an audit of other buildings in the vicinity to assess their structural integrity.
“The government is taking proactive steps by auditing buildings in the area to prevent future occurrences,” Osagie stated.
He commended the emergency responders and members of the community who assisted in managing the situation.
“We appreciate the gallant work of the emergency responders and the good Samaritans who stepped in to help during this critical time.”
Excavators and other heavy equipment have been deployed to clear the rubble and remove the remaining parts of the distressed building. Government officials have remained on-site to provide updates as the situation progresses.
In a related development, the management of the University of Benin has confirmed that the students rescued from the collapsed building are in stable condition.
Dr Benedicta Ehanire, the university’s spokesperson, noted that the building collapsed on Saturday morning following heavy rainfall that began the previous afternoon.
She confirmed that while no lives were lost, two of the students were transferred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for further medical care.
“The rescue team, comprising security staff, fire service personnel, health centre workers, students, and the police, managed to rescue the students.
Initially, they were taken to the institution’s health centre before two of them were moved to UBTH,” Dr Ehanire explained.
The management extended well-wishes to the affected students, expressing hope for their speedy recovery.
“We commend the efforts of the rescue team for their gallant efforts in ensuring the safety of our students,” the statement concluded.
As the investigation continues, the Edo State Government is expected to release more information regarding the cause of the collapse and potential safety risks in the area.
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