A devastating flood incident in Anambra State, Nigeria, has resulted in the death of a 6-year-old pupil, Success Ezenwafor. Ezenwafor, a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, Awka, was swept away by floodwaters around Nibo – Isiagu Ring Road on September 22, 2026. The incident occurred after a heavy downpour across the state, which also caused the collapse of two buildings and pulled down 20 walls at Oguguo Nebe Road.
The flood incident involved a bus conveying school pupils, which got trapped at the Nibo – Isiagu Ring Road, Awka South Local Government Council Area of the state. Nine other pupils and two adults were rescued alive by operatives of the State Police Command, with assistance from residents. The rescued victims were taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
Ezenwafor's family spokesperson announced his death, describing the incident as a painful loss. Arrangements have been concluded to transfer his remains from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital to his hometown, Ula, Ekwulobia. The family expressed their total submission to God, announcing that Ezenwafor has joined the Church triumphant.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that operatives attached to the Command's Safe School Initiative rescued nine people following a distress call over the flood incident. Ikenga stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, directed that the search for the missing pupil be expanded and urged residents with useful information to assist the operation.
The police advised parents, guardians, school authorities, and motorists to exercise extreme caution when approaching flooded roads, bridges, and waterways, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. This warning comes as the state continues to experience the negative impacts of neglected infrastructure, including the Oguguo Nebe Road, which has been highlighted as a major concern.
Residents have expressed concerns about the neglect of important link roads in the state, which they believe has contributed to the severity of the flood incident. Emmanuel Nnaemeka, a resident of Oguguo Nebe Avenue, regretted that the abandoned and neglected route leads to several agrarian communities and major cities, including Kogi State and Abuja Federal Capital Territory.
The incident has raised concerns about the preparedness of the state to handle flood disasters, particularly in the face of heavy rainfall. The government has been urged to intervene and address the issue of neglected infrastructure to prevent future occurrences. Key points: A 6-year-old pupil was swept away by floodwaters in Anambra State, The incident occurred after a heavy downpour across the state, The state police command rescued nine people following a distress call over the flood incident.
Key points
- The flood incident resulted in the death of a 6-year-old pupil, Success Ezenwafor.
- The incident highlighted the negative impacts of neglected infrastructure in the state.
- The police advised caution when approaching flooded roads, bridges, and waterways during heavy rainfall.
