One missing as police rescue seven school children, two others trapped by flood

The police in Anambra State say they have rescued seven school children and two adults who were trapped by flood along Nibo-Isiagu Road in Awka, the state capital.

Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in the state, said in a statement on Tuesday that one child was confirmed missing.

Earlier on Tuesday, video clips and photographs of a stationary commercial minibus in the area apparently trapped by a flood were circulating on Facebook.

Many people called on authorities to intervene, especially considering that some school children were part of those trapped.

In the statement, Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said police operatives acted swiftly upon receiving a report about the incident.

“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,” he said.

The spokesperson said the police operatives collaborated with residents of the area to carry out the rescue.

Search continues for one still missing

Mr Ikenga said one of the school children was still missing after the rescue of the nine people.

“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,” he said.

The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnanna Ama, has directed that the search and rescue operation be sustained and expanded.

Mr 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 person.

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The commissioner stressed that the Command has urged 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,” he stated.

The police chief maintained that the state command was committed to the protection and safety of school children in the state.

He added that the command would continue to strengthen collaboration with communities and relevant agencies under the Safe School Initiative to prevent avoidable loss of lives during emergencies.