One schoolchild has been swept away by flood along the Nibo–Isiagu Road in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, while nine others, comprising seven schoolchildren and two adults, have been rescued.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when the victims were caught in the flood while travelling along the affected route.
The Anambra State Police Command, through its Safe School Operatives and in collaboration with members of the community, responded swiftly after receiving information about the incident.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the operatives rescued seven schoolchildren and two adults and moved them to a safe location.
However, one other child remained missing as of the time of the report.
Ikenga said the command had activated a sustained search-and-rescue operation in the area, with police personnel working alongside community members and other relevant stakeholders to locate the missing child.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, had directed that the search operation be sustained and expanded until the child was found.
The Commissioner also appealed to residents, particularly those living or operating around the affected route, to provide the police and other emergency responders with any information that could assist in locating the missing child.
The command urged parents, guardians, school authorities and motorists to exercise extreme caution when approaching flooded roads, bridges and waterways, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
“Parents and guardians are also advised to ensure that children do not attempt to cross flooded or otherwise dangerous routes,” the statement said.
The police further assured residents that the command would continue to strengthen collaboration with communities and relevant agencies under the Safe School Initiative to protect schoolchildren and minimise avoidable loss of lives during emergencies.
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