At least two persons have been confirmed dead, and three injured, as rescue operations at the collapsed building in Amaokpala, Orumba North council area continue.

Ndidi Omega, the acting executive secretary of Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, disclosed this in an interview in Awka at the close of the rescue operation on Monday.

A three-storey building located in Oko Community served as an off-campus residence for students of the Federal Polytechnic Oko and non-students alike.

She said the injured were receiving treatment at the hospital, and that search and rescue would continue on Tuesday.

“The rescue operation will continue tomorrow, but at the end of today’s activity, two persons are confirmed dead and three injured,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Anambra government has sealed off the site of the building collapse and launched a search for the owner and manager of the building.

Chijioke Ojukwu, the commissioner for physical planning and urban development, stated that the government would commence integrity tests on buildings in the area.

He said preliminary findings showed that there were structural activities in the building that suggested failure, but rather than act on it, the owner of the building placed financial interest over the lives and safety of occupants.

He said the premises would remain sealed pending the conclusion of investigations.

Mr Ojukwu said the government would make public an official policy position soon.

(NAN)