An unconfirmed number of students and other residents are feared dead after a three-storey hostel building collapsed late Sunday in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, reportedly caved in beside Tonimas Filling Station in the Amokpala area, trapping several occupants beneath the rubble.

Emergency responders, including personnel of the Anambra State Police Command, the State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), launched a rescue operation shortly after the incident.

Several injured victims have been pulled from the debris and rushed to a hospital in Oko for medical treatment, while efforts continue to locate and rescue others believed to be trapped.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said officers responded immediately after receiving a distress call and secured the area to facilitate rescue operations.

He noted that the number of casualties had yet to be determined, as emergency workers were still combing through the rubble.

Ikenga urged residents to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and stay away from the scene to allow rescue teams unrestricted access.

Authorities said investigations into the cause of the collapse would continue, while updates would be provided as more verified information becomes available.