Rita Odafe
Miraculous Survival After Edo Building Collapse
Dorcas Olushola, a survivor of the recent building collapse in Ekosodin, Benin City, described her rescue from the debris as a “miraculous” event, expressing deep gratitude for her life.
Speaking with Metro PUNCH at the Trauma Department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, she recounted how the three-story structure began to shake and fell apart suddenly while she was in her second-floor room.
She said, “Initially, I was unaware that the compound was flooded as it had been raining heavily that morning. Then, I felt the vibrations of the building before it collapsed on me.”
“I was rescued thanks to several brave individuals. I am grateful to be alive; otherwise, I would not be here sharing my story today. I sustained some bruises on my leg, but I am recovering well with the help of the hospital staff.”
She also noted that her father was out of the state and not yet back in Benin.
Another survivor, Akpodeh Oseoghene, a recent graduate from the Science Laboratory Department at UNIBEN, also shared her harrowing experience, stating that she narrowly escaped death. Oseoghene explained that troubles began when her room, a bungalow behind the main structure, became inundated during the storm.
“Upon realizing our room was flooding, we quickly tried to elevate our belongings. However, as we did this, the main building fell, causing more water to enter our space when our glass door shattered, injuring my roommate, who is now receiving treatment elsewhere in the hospital,” she recounted.
“We spotted a narrow escape route and managed to get away. The overwhelming flood might have contributed to the building’s collapse. We were in the midst of trying to remove the excess water when it occurred.”
She mentioned that another individual, Leonard, was injured when he jumped from the third floor to escape the building’s collapse; he is also being treated at UBTH.
A nearby resident and recent UNIBEN graduate witnessed the incident around 7:30 to 8:00 am while it was pouring heavily. He speculated that the flooding may have led to the disaster.
“The rain began at 4 am and intensified around 7 am, causing significant flooding in the area that affected buildings with low foundations. Our home was also flooded, and as we were trying to save our items, I suddenly heard a loud crash – the building had crumbled, damaging our fence and a room,” he shared.
“This street often experiences flooding, but Saturday’s situation was particularly severe. I hope the local authorities will address this issue soon.”
The Edo State Government announced an investigation to uncover the causes of the collapse.
Crusoe Obaseki, the Special Adviser to the Edo State governor on Media, confirmed the situation, stating that officials were present at the site to monitor and report on developments.
He noted, “The Edo State Government acknowledges the collapse of a three-story building on Ekhator Street, near the University of Benin. A rescue team was promptly dispatched, and all trapped students were rescued alive and are currently receiving medical care.”
“Emergency responders, including the Edo State Fire Service, have confirmed that there have been no fatalities as of now. Heavy machinery is on-site to remove debris and sections of the affected building. A thorough investigation into the collapse, along with a building audit in the area, is underway.”
As of Sunday, Metro PUNCH reported that the area has been cordoned off by government officials as the investigation continues.
