Anambra Police Issue Flood Warning to Parents After Pupil Is Swept Away

By Globalvoice

The Anambra State Police Command has issued a stern warning to parents, guardians and caregivers following the death of a school pupil who was swept away by flash flooding in the state.

The command urged families to prevent children from crossing flooded roads, bridges, drainage channels and waterways, warning that seemingly shallow or familiar routes can conceal potentially fatal hazards.

The warning followed the death of Master Success Ezenwafor, a pupil of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, who was swept away by a flash flood along the Isiagu axis of the Awka-Nibo Road on September 22, 2026.

The tragedy has prompted renewed concerns over the risks children face during periods of intense rainfall, particularly in communities vulnerable to flooding.

Education Ministry Mourns Pupil

The Anambra State Ministry of Education expressed sadness over the pupil's death, describing it as a painful loss to his family, school community and the wider education sector.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, extended condolences to the Ezenwafor family, as well as the school's management, teachers and pupils.

Ogugua also called for increased vigilance during the rainy season, urging parents and guardians to ensure children do not play in or attempt to pass through flooded areas, drainage channels or fast-moving water.

He stressed that keeping schoolchildren safe from environmental hazards requires cooperation between families, schools and communities.

“The Ministry of Education extends its condolences to the Ezenwafor family and the entire school community,” Ogugua said.

He prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family and others affected by the tragedy.

Police Issue Safety Advisory

In a safety advisory issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the Anambra State Police Command called for heightened precautions during severe weather.

The statement, signed by the command's Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said recent heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of the state had tragically claimed the life of a school pupil.

The command specifically advised parents and guardians against allowing children to travel during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly when roads are flooded or water is flowing rapidly across roads and drainage channels.

The police warned that children should never be permitted to cross flooded roads, bridges, drainage channels or waterways, even when the water appears shallow or the route is familiar.

“Never allow children to cross flooded roads, bridges, drainage channels or waterways, regardless of how shallow or familiar the route may appear,” the command warned.

According to the police, floodwater can conceal open drains, erosion channels, culverts and other potentially life-threatening hazards, making it difficult to accurately assess the danger from the surface.

Parents Urged to Track Children During Severe Weather

The command further urged parents and guardians to closely supervise schoolchildren before, during and after school hours, particularly in communities identified as flood prone.

Families were also advised to maintain direct communication with schools and transport providers during severe weather and to confirm their children's safety and location before they begin their journey home.

The police additionally urged parents to teach children to stay away from floodwater, drainage channels, rivers, culverts and construction sites.

Where flooding begins, children should immediately move to a safe, elevated location rather than attempting to cross moving water.

The death of the young pupil has underscored the potentially devastating consequences of allowing children to navigate flooded routes during severe weather and has placed renewed emphasis on the responsibility of families, schools and authorities to prevent avoidable tragedies.

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