The Anambra State Police Command has warned parents, guardians, school authorities and motorists to exercise extreme caution during heavy rainfall following the death of a six-year-old school pupil swept away by floodwaters.

The warning followed the death of Success Ezenwafor, a pupil of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, who was swept away when a school bus carrying him and other occupants was trapped and overturned by floodwater along the Nibo–Isiagu Road in Awka South Local Government Area.

Nine other occupants of the vehicle, comprising seven schoolchildren and two adults, were rescued by police operatives and members of the community and taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, for treatment.

The Anambra State Police Command said its Safe School Operatives mobilised to the scene after receiving information about the incident and worked with residents to rescue those trapped in the flood.

The body of Success was recovered on Wednesday morning during a search operation conducted by the police and community members, after he had remained missing following the incident.

The Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Ama, directed that search and rescue efforts be sustained and expanded while appealing to residents around the affected area to provide information that could assist responding agencies.

The command urged parents and guardians to ensure that children did not attempt to cross flooded roads or other dangerous routes, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

It also advised school authorities and motorists to exercise caution around flooded roads, bridges and waterways.

The police said the warning formed part of efforts under the Safe School Initiative to strengthen cooperation with communities and other relevant agencies and prevent avoidable loss of lives during emergencies.