Nigerian Students Trapped in Building Collapse: Rescue Efforts Underway
A tragic incident occurred in Benin City, Edo State, as several students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) were trapped when a storey building collapsed early Saturday morning. The unfortunate event took place amidst a torrential downpour on Ekhator Street, Ekosodin, an area predominantly occupied by students of the university.
The Incident: Building Collapse Amid Heavy Rain
The collapse occurred during the early hours of Saturday, following hours of heavy rain that battered the city. Ekhator Street in Ekosodin, a popular residential area for university students due to its proximity to the campus, was the scene of this tragic collapse. As a result, several students residing in the building found themselves trapped under the rubble, struggling for survival.
According to eyewitness reports, the collapse was sudden and devastating. Amidst the panic, screams for help could be heard from within the wreckage as some of the building's occupants were pinned beneath the debris. Eyewitnesses recounted the swift response of the university’s emergency rescue team, which arrived shortly after the collapse.
Rescue Efforts: Swift Response but Challenges Remain
The university’s rescue team quickly swung into action, managing to pull several students from the collapsed structure. Those rescued were immediately transported to nearby hospitals to receive urgent medical attention, as some of the survivors sustained serious injuries from the collapse.
Despite these initial successes, one student remains unaccounted for. The ongoing search for this missing individual continues, as rescue teams work tirelessly to find them amidst the debris. It is reported that the student, still trapped under the rubble, managed to make contact with rescuers via phone, pleading for assistance. The rescue team, alongside local authorities, is focusing all efforts on locating and saving the individual before time runs out.
One of the students present at the scene said, "We heard the victim calling from under the rubble, begging for help. The team is doing everything possible to locate the exact spot where the victim is trapped."
UNIBEN’s Involvement: Leadership on the Ground
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the University of Benin has taken an active role in the ongoing rescue operation. The Dean of Students, along with other senior university officials, has arrived at the scene to supervise and coordinate the rescue efforts. Their presence has not only provided reassurance to the affected students but also demonstrated the institution's commitment to ensuring the safety of its students during such crises.
The Dean of Students is working closely with the rescue team, offering support and liaising with emergency personnel to ensure that every trapped individual is accounted for. The presence of university officials has helped streamline rescue operations, providing critical support and coordination in what remains a race against time.
Community Response: Calls for Safety and Accountability
In the wake of the collapse, questions are being raised about the structural integrity of buildings in the Ekosodin area, which is home to many students due to its proximity to the UNIBEN campus. Local residents, students, and authorities are now calling for an urgent review of building standards in the area, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and regular inspections to prevent further tragedies.
For the affected students, the collapse has not only caused physical harm but also emotional trauma. As the rescue operation continues, there is growing concern among the university community about the safety of student housing and the measures needed to safeguard lives.
Conclusion: A Community United in Hope and Determination
The collapse of the storey building in Benin City has thrown the University of Benin community into turmoil. However, the swift response of the university’s rescue team, combined with the leadership shown by the Dean of Students, offers hope that the remaining trapped student will be safely rescued. As the search continues, students, faculty, and the broader community remain united in their prayers and support for all those affected.
In the days ahead, it is expected that further investigations will be launched to determine the cause of the collapse, and measures will be taken to prevent future incidents of this nature. For now, the focus remains firmly on rescuing the last trapped student and providing care for those who have been injured
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