Rescue efforts have intensified at the scene of the collapsed three-storey Elite Five Star lodge in Amokpala, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, where emergency rescue operations have recovered the body of a female victim believed to be a student.
Rescue officials also confirmed that the body of a young man, also said to be a student, has been located beneath the rubble but had yet to be retrieved as the painstaking search operation continues.
The building, which collapsed late Sunday night, is believed to have housed several students and other occupants.
A combined rescue team comprising the Nigerian Red Cross Society, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies and operatives of the Operation Udo Ga-Achi security outfit have remained at the site.
Using heavy-duty excavators and other rescue equipment, emergency workers are carefully removing debris in a coordinated effort to locate anyone who may still be trapped while ensuring the safety of rescue personnel.
The atmosphere at the scene remains tense as anxious residents, students and sympathisers watch the operation with growing concern.
Security personnel have cordoned off the area to prevent interference and ensure emergency rescue teams have unrestricted access, while officials continue to account for all occupants of the collapsed structure.
According to the Acting Executive Secretary of SEMA, Mrs. Ndidi Omega, who confirmed the death of the lady and the body of the young man still trapped, three injured persons had been taken to the hospital earlier.
Omega maintained that the rescue operation would continue until every section of the debris has been thoroughly searched.
The police authorities also appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and allow emergency teams to carry out their work without obstruction, assuring that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
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