Schoolchild missing as police rescue nine trapped in Anambra flood

By Obinna Unaeze

Police operatives have rescued nine people, including seven schoolchildren trapped in heavy flood that submerged Nibo-Isiagu Road, Awka, Anambra State, following a downpour on Tuesday.

However, a schoolchild is still missing from among those trapped by the flood, Anambra ​‌‌⁠‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‌⁠‌‌‌​‌​Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Awka.

He added that the schoolchildren and seven adults were rescued with the support of the police Safe School Operatives and good-spirited Nigerians.

The Anambra Police spokesperson added that the command had intensified its search for the child, whose identity had yet to be ascertained.

“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.

“Upon receiving information about the incident, the Safe School Operatives swiftly mobilised to the area and, working with members of the community, rescued seven schoolchildren and two adults and moved them to safety,” the PPRO added.

According to the statement, the command is continuing its search and rescue operations in the affected area.

It explained that the search operation was being conducted, in collaboration with community members and relevant stakeholders, and would continue until the remaining persons were located and accounted for.

It stated that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Nnanna Ama, had directed that the search and rescue operation be sustained and expanded.

It added that Ama also urged residents of the area, particularly those living or operating around the affected route, to assist with useful information that may assist in locating the missing pupil.

The command further urged parents, guardians, school authorities and motorists to exercise extreme caution around flooded roads, bridges and waterways, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.

It advised parents and guardians to ensure that children did not attempt to cross flooded or dangerous routes.

The statement explained that the Anambra Police Command remained committed to the protection and safety of schoolchildren and other residents of the state.

“The police will continue to strengthen collaboration with communities and relevant agencies under the Safe School Initiative to prevent avoidable loss of lives during emergencies,” it added.

(NAN)