The Edo State Government has confirmed that all students trapped in a collapsed three-storey building near the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have been successfully rescued.

According to the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, there were no fatalities, and the state has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident to determine the causes behind the collapse.

In addition, an audit of surrounding buildings will be conducted to evaluate their structural integrity and prevent future accidents.

The building, located on Ekhator Street, off Ekosodin Road in Ugbowo, Benin City, collapsed following a heavy downpour.

Emergency responders, including the Edo State Fire Service and officials from the state’s Command and Control Centre, swiftly arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations.

Heavy machinery, such as excavators, were deployed to clear the debris and secure the area.

The government has placed personnel at the site to monitor the situation and provide continuous updates as the clean-up continues.

Osagie praised the efforts of the emergency teams and the local community members who assisted in the rescue efforts.

The governor’s office expressed gratitude for the swift and courageous actions taken to manage the crisis.

All the rescued students are receiving medical attention, and those involved in the rescue operations are being commended for their prompt response.

In a related statement, the management of the University of Benin confirmed that three of its students were rescued from the rubble.

The university spokesperson, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, mentioned that two of the students have been transferred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), while one remains in stable condition at the institution’s Health Centre.

Dr. Ehanire explained that the collapse was likely triggered by a prolonged rainstorm that started the previous day.

She also assured the public that the university is closely monitoring the students’ recovery and praised the rescue teams, which included the university’s security, fire service staff, students, and local police, for their heroic efforts.

The university extended its best wishes for a speedy recovery to the affected students, emphasizing the importance of taking steps to ensure the safety of other buildings in the area.

This tragic incident has prompted concerns over the quality of construction in certain parts of the city, leading the government to take proactive measures in addressing building standards and ensuring the safety of residents, especially in areas prone to structural vulnerabilities.

The investigation into the building’s collapse will aim to uncover any negligence or faulty construction practices, with the goal of preventing similar incidents in the future.

Local authorities are urging residents to report any signs of structural distress in buildings around them, as part of a larger initiative to avoid further accidents caused by unsafe constructions.

The state government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens remains strong, with ongoing efforts to bolster emergency response systems and infrastructure assessments across the region.