The Edo State Government has launched an investigation to uncover the cause of a building collapse that occurred early Saturday, housing students of the University of Benin in Ekosodin.
The Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, on Saturday disclosed this in a statement, noting that government officials had been deployed to the scene to monitor the situation closely and provide real-time updates.
Osagie said, “The Edo State Government can confirm the collapse of a three-storey building located on Ekhator Street, off Ekosodin Road, near the University of Benin, Ugbowo.
“A swift response team was dispatched to the site, and all students who were trapped in the building have been successfully rescued and are currently receiving medical care.”
He further noted, “Emergency responders, including the Edo State Fire Service and personnel from the Edo State Command and Control Centre, are on the ground and have confirmed that, thankfully, no lives were lost in the incident as of this moment.”
Osagie revealed that excavators and other heavy machinery were already on-site to clear the debris and dismantle parts of the compromised structure.
He added, “The government has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse. An audit of nearby buildings is also underway to assess their structural integrity.”
The Edo government commended the efforts of first responders and residents who assisted in managing the situation. “We appreciate the gallantry of the emergency teams and the goodwill of local volunteers who played a critical role in this emergency response,” the statement read.
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