Two people, including a fresh graduate of Federal Polytechnic Oko, died on Sunday night after Elite 5-Star Hostel, a 60-room building in Amaokpala, collapsed.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Rescue workers had recovered two bodies, male and female, from the rubble as of Monday morning.
The female victim was identified as Vivian Chinedum, a baker and recent graduate of the Department of Food Science and Technology. Sources explained that she moved into the hostel in March 2026.
According to Reports, Survivors said there were warning signs before the collapse which happened on that fateful day.
One of the residents of the building, Grace Nweke explained to Reporters that the incident occured in the night when the occupants were in their various rooms.
“At about 10 pm., a food vendor alerted us on our WhatsApp group that the walls of the hostel were cracking. “Before we could grasp it, we heard loud cracking sounds and fled.”
Grace, who moved in January 2026, said she was unaware the building was unsafe.
“We later learnt previous occupants were told to vacate because of its condition. But the caretaker went ahead to rent it to unsuspecting students,” she said.
As of press time, rescue operations were ongoing. Students and families gathered at the site as authorities were yet to issue an official statement on the cause of the collapse.