An unidentified schoolchild has been declared missing, while seven other schoolchildren and two adults have been rescued in a flood incident that devastated some communities in Anambra State following the persistent rainfall that occurred in the state between Monday, September 21, and Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
The seven rescued schoolchildren and two adults were rescued in a flood along the Nibo–Isiagu Road in Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when some schoolchildren and adults were caught in the flood while travelling along the affected route.
Ikenga said that upon receiving information about the incident, the Safe School Operatives swiftly mobilised to the area and, working in collaboration with members of the community, rescued seven schoolchildren and two adults, and moved them to safety.
He said one other child involved in the incident is still unaccounted for, adding that the Command has consequently activated sustained search and rescue operations in the affected area.
The statement read, “The Anambra State Police Command, through its Safe School Operatives, in collaboration with concerned members of the community, has rescued nine persons following a flood incident along the Nibo–Isiagu Road, Awka.
“The incident occurred in the early hours of today, September 22, 2026, when some school children and adults were caught up in the flood while travelling along the affected route.
“Upon receiving information about the incident, the ‘Safe School Operatives’ swiftly mobilised to the area and, working with members of the community, rescued seven school children and two adults, and moved them to safety.
“However, one additional child involved in the incident is still unaccounted for. The Command has consequently activated sustained search and rescue operations in the affected area. The search operation is being conducted in collaboration with community members and relevant stakeholders and will continue until the remaining persons are located and accounted for.”
Meanwhile, the Satte Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Ama, has directed that the search and rescue operation be sustained and expanded.
Ama also urged residents of the area, particularly those living or operating around the affected route, to provide the police and other responding agencies with any information that may assist in locating the missing persons.
“The Command further urges parents, guardians, school authorities and motorists to exercise extreme caution around flooded roads, bridges and waterways, particularly 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 Anambra State Police Command remains committed to the protection and safety of school children and will continue to strengthen collaboration with communities and relevant agencies under the Safe School Initiative to prevent avoidable loss of life during emergencies,” the statement added.
