On September 16, 2024, the aftermath of a tragic building collapse in Ekosodin, Benin City, Edo State, left survivors recounting harrowing experiences that they describe as miraculous. Among them is Dorcas Olushola, a 300-level Social Work student at the University of Benin, who found herself caught in the chaos of the incident. Her story, shared from the Trauma Department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, highlights the sheer luck and bravery involved in her rescue.
Olushola was on the second floor of the three-storey building when it began to vibrate ominously. “I felt the tremors, and before I could comprehend what was happening, the building collapsed,” she recalled, her voice tinged with the remnants of shock. It was a rainy morning, and unbeknownst to her, the compound was already flooded. As she attempted to navigate the precarious situation, she could only pray for a way out.
“I am lucky to have been pulled out alive from the debris,” Olushola expressed, gratitude filling her words. “I suffered some bruises on my leg, but beyond that, I am fine. The experience was traumatic, and I commend the staff members at UBTH for their swift response and treatment.” Her father, who had traveled out of state, was still expected to return to Benin, adding to her anxiety during the ordeal.
Another survivor, Akpodeh Oseoghene, recently graduated from the University of Benin’s Science Laboratory Department. She described witnessing death up close, yet felt immense gratitude for her survival. Oseoghene shared that the trouble began when heavy rainfall flooded the room she shared with her roommate, Akpordoghor Oghenefega. “As the rain intensified, we tried to elevate our belongings to avoid the water. Suddenly, the main building collapsed, causing more water to rush into our room. The glass door shattered, injuring my roommate, who is also receiving treatment,” she recounted.
Oseoghene highlighted a narrow escape, explaining, “We found a small opening and slipped through to safety. The flooding was overwhelming; we were in the process of scooping water out when the building fell. It was terrifying.” Another survivor, identified as Leonard, sustained significant injuries when he jumped from the third floor as the structure began to give way.
Witnesses to the incident reported that the collapse occurred between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. during a particularly intense downpour. A recent graduate living nearby noted, “The rain started at around 4 a.m. and escalated by 7 a.m., flooding the entire street and affecting many houses.” He described the sound of the collapse as a thunderous roar. “I heard a loud noise, and only then did I realize the building had fallen, damaging our fence and one of our rooms,” he said, expressing concern that the flooding may have contributed to the disaster.
In the wake of the incident, the Edo State Government announced an investigation to ascertain the cause of the building’s collapse. Crusoe Obaseki, the Special Adviser to the Edo State governor on Media Projects, confirmed that officials were deployed to the site to manage the situation and provide updates. “A rescue team has worked diligently to ensure that all trapped individuals have been rescued alive and are receiving medical care,” he stated, emphasizing that there were no reported fatalities.
Obaseki added that excavators and heavy machinery were on site to clear the debris and evaluate the structural integrity of surrounding buildings. The government has initiated a comprehensive investigation into both the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse and plans to conduct an audit of other buildings in the area to prevent future tragedies.
As the survivors continue to recover and the community grapples with the implications of this incident, the sealed-off compound serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities posed by severe weather and inadequate structural safety measures. The resilience of the survivors and the swift response of emergency services have been vital in the aftermath of this disaster, showcasing the strength of community and the importance of safety standards in construction.
