A child has been declared missing while seven school children as well as two adults have been rescued after they were trapped inside flood on their way to school at a community in Anambra State.
The state police command announced the rescue operation on Tuesday, September 22, as it added that they were rescued by its Safe School operatives in collaboration with members of the community along the Nibo-Isiagu Road, Awka, the state capital
The command added that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when some school children and adults were caught up in the flood while travelling along the road.
“Upon receiving information about the incident, the Safe School operatives swiftly mobilised to the area and, working with members of the community, rescued seven school children and two adults and moved them to safety,” the command stated.
However, one other child involved in the incident was declared missing as he couldn’t be unaccounted for while the command said it has consequently activated sustained search and rescue operation for him.
“The search operation is being conducted in collaboration with community members and relevant stakeholders and will continue until the remaining person is located and accounted for,” the command added.
The Commissioner of Police in the state has therefore directed that the search and rescue operation be sustained and expanded while also urging residents of the area, particularly those living or operating around the affected route, to provide the police and other responding agencies with any information that may assist in locating the missing school child.
The command further urged 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.
