It was panic and tears on Tuesday morning as flood swallowed the Nibo–Isiagu Road in Awka South LGA, trapping schoolchildren on their way to school.
An unidentified schoolchild has been declared missing, while seven schoolchildren and two adults have been rescued in a devastating flood that followed persistent rainfall between Monday, September 21 and Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when the victims were caught in the flood while travelling along the affected route.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Safe School Operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene and, working in collaboration with members of the community, rescued the nine persons and moved them to safety.
Ikenga said one additional child involved in the incident is still unaccounted for, and that the Command has consequently activated sustained search and rescue operations.
The statement read:
> “The Anambra State Police Command, through its Safe School Operatives, in collaboration with concerned members of the community, has rescued nine persons following a flood incident along the Nibo–Isiagu Road, Awka.
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> The incident occurred in the early hours of today, September 22, 2026, when some school children and adults were caught up in the flood while travelling along the affected route.
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> However, one additional child involved in the incident is still unaccounted for. The Command has consequently activated sustained search and rescue operations in the affected area.”
Meanwhile, the *Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Nnanna Ama*, has directed that the search and rescue operation be sustained and expanded.
He also urged residents, particularly those living or operating around the affected route, to provide any information that may assist in locating the missing child.
The Command further warned parents, guardians, school authorities and motorists to exercise extreme caution around flooded roads, bridges and waterways, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
> “Parents and guardians are also advised to ensure that children do not attempt to cross flooded or otherwise dangerous routes. The Anambra State Police Command remains committed to the protection and safety of school children under the Safe School Initiative,” the statement added.
Search operations are ongoing at the time of filing this report.
