Anambra flood: Six-year-old pupil found dead 24 hours after being swept away

A six-year-old pupil of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, Awka, Anambra State, Success Ezenwafor, has been found dead, 24 hours after he was swept away by floodwaters while on his way to school.

Success was reportedly travelling with other pupils when the bus conveying them became trapped by floodwaters around the Nibo-Isiagu Ring Road in Awka South Local Government Area.

Nine other occupants of the vehicle, comprising seven schoolchildren and two adults, were rescued alive by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command, with assistance from residents.

The survivors were taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, where they are receiving medical attention.

Success, however, was swept away by the floodwaters and remained missing until his body was recovered the following morning.

A spokesperson for the family said arrangements had been concluded to transfer the boy’s remains from the hospital to his hometown, Ula, Ekwulobia.

“With total submission to God, we announce that our little son, Success Ezenwafor, has joined the Church triumphant,” the family stated.

The incident occurred after a heavy downpour submerged roads, schools, markets and other public and private places across the state.

The rainfall also reportedly led to the collapse of two buildings and about 20 walls around Oguguo Nebe Road.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, had earlier confirmed that operatives attached to the Command’s Safe School Initiative rescued nine people after receiving a distress call over the incident.