Anambra Flood: Pupil Missing as Police Rescue Seven Schoolchildren, Two Adults
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that a pupil is missing following heavy rainfall and flooding that submerged the Nibo-Isiagu Road in Awka, the state capital.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, September 22, 2026, when schoolchildren and adults travelling along the affected route were caught in the flood.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the incident in a statement made available to journalists in Awka.
Ikenga said the identity of the missing pupil had not yet been established, while the police command had intensified efforts to locate the child.
According to him, nine people were rescued from the affected area, comprising seven schoolchildren and two adults.
He said the rescue was carried out by the police’s Safe School Operatives with the support of members of the local community and other good-spirited Nigerians.
“The incident occurred in the early hours of today, when some schoolchildren and adults were caught up in the flood while travelling along the affected area,” Ikenga said.
He explained that the Safe School Operatives quickly mobilised after receiving information about the incident and worked alongside community members to rescue the seven schoolchildren and two adults.
The rescued persons were subsequently moved to safety.
Ikenga said search and rescue operations were still ongoing in the affected area as the police and other stakeholders continued efforts to locate the missing pupil and account for everyone who may have been affected.
He added that the operation was being conducted in collaboration with members of the community and relevant stakeholders.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnanna Ama, directed that the search and rescue operation be sustained and expanded until the missing person is located.
Ama also appealed to residents around the affected route to provide any useful information that could assist the police in locating the missing pupil.
The police command urged residents to exercise extreme caution when approaching flooded roads, bridges and waterways, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Ikenga specifically advised parents and guardians to ensure that children do not attempt to cross flooded or otherwise dangerous routes.
He also urged motorists, school authorities and other road users to exercise caution when travelling through areas affected by flooding.
The police said it remained committed to protecting schoolchildren and other residents of Anambra State during emergencies.
Ikenga added that the command would continue strengthening its collaboration with communities and relevant agencies under the Safe School Initiative to help prevent avoidable loss of lives during emergencies.
The incident highlights the risks faced by schoolchildren and other road users when heavy rainfall causes flooding on major routes, particularly in areas where floodwaters can quickly make roads unsafe.
The police search for the missing pupil was continuing as of Tuesday, with authorities calling on members of the public to provide information that could assist the rescue effort.
(NAN)
