The incident occurred on Tuesday following heavy rainfall across parts of Anambra State, Nigeria. Success Ezenwafor, a six-year-old pupil of UNIZIK Primary School, was swept away by floodwater along the Nibo–Isiagu Road in Awka South Local Government Area. A school bus conveying him and other occupants was trapped and overturned by floodwater. Nine other occupants of the vehicle, including seven schoolchildren and two adults, were rescued by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command and residents.
The search for the missing pupil was conducted in collaboration with community members and other relevant stakeholders. The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, had confirmed on Tuesday that the search was underway. On Wednesday morning, during a search operation by the police and community members, Success' body was recovered. His remains were subsequently deposited at the morgue. The Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, led the rescue operation and confirmed the recovery of the boy's body.
According to Okafor, the other children rescued from the vehicle were in stable condition and receiving treatment at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka. Okafor expressed his condolences to the Ezenwafor family over the heartbreaking loss. He also spoke with a member of the family, who described Success as a brave boy. The boy's father recalled Success' final moments before he left home for school on Tuesday, saying he kissed his father on both cheeks, said goodbye, and boarded the shuttle bus for school.
The Ezenwafor family released a statement describing the incident as a painful loss. The family said arrangements were being made to move the remains from Amaku to their hometown, Ula, Ekwulobia. Two other children from the family who were also involved in the incident were fortunately rescued. According to the family member, Success broke one of the vehicle's windows, creating an escape route through which others were able to get out, but sadly, he could not make it to safety himself.
The Anambra State First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged residents to take greater precautions as flooding continues to affect some communities. In a statement issued in Awka on Wednesday, Soludo expressed concern about the flood situation and its potential impact on families, particularly those living in flood-prone areas. She urged residents to remain vigilant, heed weather and flood warnings, avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways, and relocate to safer areas whenever their homes or surroundings become unsafe.
Dr Soludo also urged residents to keep their surroundings clean and desist from dumping refuse in drainage channels, warning that blocked waterways could worsen flooding and endanger lives and property. She particularly appealed to parents and guardians to keep children away from floodwaters, drainage channels, streams, and other potentially dangerous areas during periods of heavy rainfall. Soludo called for increased community awareness and collective responsibility, stressing that early action and responsible environmental practices could help reduce the risks associated with flooding.
The incident has brought attention to the need for preparedness and vigilance in the face of flooding in Anambra State. The Ezenwafor family's loss is a reminder of the importance of taking necessary precautions during heavy rainfall. As the state continues to experience flooding, residents are urged to prioritize their safety and the safety of their loved ones. The recovery of Success' body is a sad reminder of the risks associated with flooding, and the need for communities to work together to mitigate its impact.
Key points
- The body of six-year-old Success Ezenwafor was recovered on Wednesday morning after being swept away by floodwater in Anambra State on Tuesday.
- Nine other occupants of the vehicle were rescued, and the Anambra State First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, has urged residents to take greater precautions as flooding continues to affect some communities.
- The incident has brought attention to the need for preparedness and vigilance in the face of flooding in Anambra State.
