3-Storey Student Hostel Collapses Near AE-FUNAI in Ebonyi

A three-storey student hostel, Pentagon Lodge, located in Izzangbo Ohankwu Village near the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI) in Ebonyi State, has collapsed following prolonged rainfall. Fortunately, no fatalities were recorded.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that a section of the private hostel gave way, burying students’ belongings under the rubble. While no serious injuries were reported, some occupants experienced minor distress and shock.

In swift response, the Ebonyi State Government sealed off the collapsed building along with nearby structures, pending structural integrity assessments. Officials also ordered the immediate evacuation of students from the premises to ensure their safety.

Leading a government delegation to the site, the State Commissioner for Capital City Development, Chief Sunday Ekechi Inyima, directed the sealing of the affected property and called for urgent investigations into the cause of the collapse.

Inyima said his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Capital Development, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ikwo Local Government Council, and AE-FUNAI management, is working to provide temporary shelter for the displaced students while structural evaluations are carried out.

Reacting to the incident, AE-FUNAI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Elom, expressed deep concern over the increasing number of substandard private buildings constructed without proper regulatory oversight.

“This unfortunate event highlights the urgent need for strict enforcement of building codes to ensure only structurally sound hostels are approved, especially those accommodating students,” Elom said.

He praised the prompt intervention by the state government and expressed gratitude that no lives were lost. He also sympathised with the affected students over their losses.

Professor Elom urged the government to launch a thorough investigation, adding that any individual or party found culpable—be it a contractor, engineer, or regulatory official—must be held accountable to prevent future tragedies.

He further assured affected students of the university’s full support and instructed them to work closely with the Student Union Government (SUG) and the Dean of Students Affairs for proper documentation and swift relief.

As of the time of filing this report, emergency response teams and structural safety inspectors were still on site, while nearby residents have been advised to remain alert.