Oko Polytechnic students blame landlords for hostel collapse after ignored safety warnings

Students at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, have voiced strong accusations against private hostel owners and managers, alleging that repeated complaints about structural defects were ignored, leading to the collapse of a three-story building.

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management of the hostel paid more attention to rent collection than maintenance.

Following the incident, students who occupied the now-collapsed structure claimed that the landlord and caretaker failed to address their concerns about the building's integrity. One student recounted that management seemed more focused on collecting rent than on essential maintenance. Complaints about cracks and other structural issues were allegedly dismissed, while students facing rent arrears were reportedly denied access to their rooms, even during crucial examination periods.

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complaints about cracks and other defects in the building were allegedly ignored, while students who defaulted on rent payments were locked out of their rooms.

The institution's management, however, has clarified that no students from the Federal Polytechnic died or were trapped in the collapsed building. The structure, located in the neighboring community of Amaokpala, was a privately owned lodge that housed both students and non-students. The polytechnic's Public Relations Officer, Dr. Oguegbu Celestine Udoka, stated that the collapse occurred after the end of the second-semester examinations, with many students already having departed for the academic break.

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the affected structure is a privately owned lodge located in Amaokpala, a neighbouring community to Oko, and accommodates both students and non-students.

Despite the absence of student fatalities, the Rector of the institution, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, visited the scene. She was accompanied by student union officials and government commissioners for Works and Health, who assessed the situation and monitored rescue operations. Several occupants were rescued and hospitalized, while search efforts continued for individuals believed to be still inside.

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no student of the Polytechnic had been confirmed dead as of the time the statement was issued.