By Ovat Abeng
Management of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state has dismissed as false and misleading reports alleging that large number of students of the institution were trapped in the building that collapsed Sunday night within the area.
Public Relations Officer of the institution, Dr. Oguegbu Celestine Udoka in a statement on Monday said two persons, still being trapped in the rubble are not students of the Polytechnic.
He said the collapsed building is not located within the premises of the Polytechnic, but a neighbouring community, while the structure, privately owned has both students and non-students as occupants.
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According to him, the incident occurred after students had completed their second-semester examinations, with significant number of them already vacated their hostels and travelled home for the ongoing short break.
He said, “Attention of the Management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has been drawn to various reports and narratives circulating on social media concerning the unfortunate collapse of a multi-storey building in Amaokpala, a neighbouring community to Oko town, Anambra State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, wishes to state categorically that the collapsed building is not located within the premises of the Polytechnic.
“The incident occurred at Amaokpala, a neighbouring community, and involved a privately owned lodge occupied by both students and non-students.
“The building, reportedly known as the 5 Elite Storey Building and located beside Tonimas Filling Station, collapsed late Sunday night.
“Contrary to some misleading reports circulating on social media, the incident did not occur inside the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, neither were all the occupants of the building students of the Polytechnic.
“The Polytechnic further wishes to clarify that, as of the time of filing this report, no student of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has been confirmed dead, and no life has been lost in the unfortunate incident.
“Upon receiving information about the incident, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, was at the scene as early as 6:36 a.m. to personally ascertain the extent of the incident and establish the welfare of students who might have been affected.
“The Rector was received at the scene by the President of the Students’ Union Government, Giant Comrade Anuluonye Ifechukwu Joseph, the Public Relations Officer of the Polytechnic, Dr. Oguegbu Celestine Udoka, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Comrade Chibuzo Asomugha, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the polytechnic, and other members of staff of the Polytechnic.
“The Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Architect Okey Ezeobi, alongside the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike, was also at the scene to assess the situation and support the ongoing rescue efforts.
Some occupants already rescued
“Information gathered as of the time of this report indicates that some occupants have already been rescued and are receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital for injuries reportedly described as not life threatening.
“It is further understood that approximately two persons, who are reportedly not students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, may still be trapped, with rescue personnel continuing efforts to locate and rescue them.”
While urging the public to disregard unverified reports and misleading narratives over the incident, the Polytechnic’s spokesperson assured the institution’s deep concern about the students’ safety and welfare and would continue to closely monitor the situation in the ongoing rescue operations.
“The institution also commends the emergency responders, government officials, local volunteers, security personnel, and other individuals involved in the rescue operation.
“Further updates will be provided as credible information becomes available,” he noted.
