A tragic incident occurred in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, on September 23, 2026, when floodwaters swept away a school shuttle bus carrying pupils of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Primary School. One pupil, Success Ezenwafor, died in the incident. The bus was traveling along the Awka-Nibo-Nise-Enugwu-Ukwu Ring Road in Awka South Local Government Area when it was overtaken by floodwaters.
Ezenwafor's body was recovered on Tuesday during a search operation following the incident. According to Uche Nworah, former Managing Director of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), the recovery of the pupil's body was confirmed by Chinedu Okafor, Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area. Okafor was involved in the rescue operation and reported that other children in the bus were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment at the hospital.
Two other children from the Ezenwafor family were also in the vehicle but were rescued. A family member reported that Ezenwafor helped create an escape route for some of the children trapped inside the vehicle before he was swept away by the floodwaters. The family member said Ezenwafor broke one of the vehicle's windows, enabling some of the other children to escape.
Ezenwafor's parents reported him missing on Tuesday shortly after the heavy rainfall and flooding in the area. His father recalled his final moments with his son before he left for school on Tuesday, saying Ezenwafor kissed him on both cheeks, said goodbye, and boarded the school shuttle. The pupil tragically never returned home.
The incident has brought renewed attention to the risks posed by flooding along roads and other areas of Awka following heavy rainfall. The death of the young pupil has cast a shadow over what began as an ordinary school day. Authorities and residents involved in the rescue operation continued efforts to assist those affected by the flooding and provide medical attention to survivors.
The other children involved in the incident were rescued and taken to Amaku Teaching Hospital for medical attention. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated. The incident has left Ezenwafor's family mourning the loss of their child.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of schoolchildren in the area, particularly during heavy rainfall and flooding. The local government and school authorities are expected to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The pupil's death is a reminder of the importance of preparedness and safety measures during emergencies.
Key points
- One pupil died in the incident, and two others were rescued.
- The incident occurred after heavy rainfall and flooding in Awka, Anambra State.
- The pupil's death has raised concerns about the safety of schoolchildren in the area.
