Panic gripped the Nibo-Isiagu axis of Awka South on Tuesday morning after flood swept away a schoolchild while seven other pupils and two adults were rescued from the raging water.
Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command’s Safe School Initiative, supported by community members, carried out the rescue.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the victims were caught in the flood early Tuesday while moving along the road.
He said the team responded immediately after receiving the report and managed to pull nine persons to safety, but one child was washed away and remains missing.
A search and rescue operation is ongoing in the area to locate the child.
Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has directed that the operation be sustained and widened, and urged residents around the affected road to provide information that could aid the search.
The Command also warned parents, guardians, schools and motorists to avoid flooded roads and waterways during heavy rainfall and to ensure children do not attempt to cross dangerous routes.
