A schoolchild remains missing after flooding swept through part of the Nibo–Isiagu Road in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, September 22, 2026, following heavy rainfall in parts of the state.
Nine people, including seven schoolchildren and two adults, were rescued after they were caught in the flood while travelling along the affected route.
The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the rescue was carried out by the command’s Safe School Operatives in partnership with members of the affected community.
Ikenga said the operatives were alerted to the incident and quickly mobilised to the area, where they rescued the seven children and two adults.
However, one additional child remained unaccounted for as of Tuesday, prompting the police to begin a sustained search and rescue operation.
The police spokesperson said the search was being conducted alongside community members and other relevant stakeholders and would continue until the missing child was located.
The state Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Ama, directed that the search be expanded and sustained.
Ama also appealed to residents, especially those living or working around the affected area, to provide information that could assist the rescue operation.
The police commissioner advised parents, guardians, school authorities and motorists to exercise caution around flooded roads, bridges and waterways during periods of heavy rainfall.
He particularly warned parents and guardians against allowing children to attempt to cross flooded or otherwise dangerous routes.
The police command said it would continue working with communities and other agencies under the Safe School Initiative to reduce the risk of avoidable deaths during emergencies.
Source: PUNCH
