Panic as Building Housing AE-FUNAI Students Collapses in Ebonyi — Thankfully, No Lives Lost

There was panic in Ebonyi State on Friday after a three-storey building accommodating students of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (AE-FUNAI) partially collapsed.

The affected structure, known as Pentagon Lodge, is a private student hostel located near the university. Reports say some students had already vacated the building after noticing visible cracks on its walls days before the incident.

The collapse occurred in the afternoon, during lecture hours, which likely helped prevent casualties. Many of the students were said to be on campus for classes at the time of the incident.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that a section of one out of five blocks in the lodge came crashing down, leaving behind damaged property and fear among students still living nearby.

Reacting to the development, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Elom Iyke Ubochi, confirmed the incident, expressing relief that no lives were lost.

“We thank God it happened during school hours. From what we know, no student was hurt. Some belongings were affected, especially those of students who had travelled,” he said.

He urged affected students to formally report to the Dean of Student Affairs so the university can document the damages and offer any necessary assistance.

While investigations are likely to follow, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about the structural integrity of private hostels around university campuses.

For now, authorities are urging students to remain cautious and report any buildings showing signs of weakness.