One child missing, nine rescued in Anambra flood

The Anambra State Police Command, through its Safe School Operatives and in collaboration with concerned members of the community, has rescued nine persons following a flood incident along the Nibo–Isiagu Road in Awka. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, when some school children and adults were caught up in the flood while travelling along the affected route. The Police Command said its Safe School Operatives swiftly mobilised to the area after receiving information about the incident. Working with members of the community, the operatives rescued seven school children and two adults and moved them to safety. However, one additional child involved in the incident is still unaccounted for, prompting the Command to activate 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 person is located and accounted for. The development has also prompted the Police Command to intensify efforts in the affected area as the search for the missing child continues. The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Nnanna Oji Ama, has directed that the search and rescue operation be sustained and expanded. He 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. The Commissioner’s directive is expected to ensure that the search operation continues until the missing child is located and accounted for. The Command further urged parents, guardians, school authorities and motorists to exercise extreme caution around flooded roads, bridges and waterways, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. It also advised parents and guardians to ensure that children do not attempt to cross flooded or otherwise dangerous routes. The Police Command said the warning was particularly important for residents and road users around areas affected by flooding, where children and other travellers may be exposed to danger during periods of heavy rainfall.