Soludo Mourns School Pupil Swept Away by Flood in Anambra

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed condolences to the family of six-year-old Success Ezenwafor, a pupil of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School who died after being swept away by floodwaters in Awka South Local Government Area.

Success was among schoolchildren travelling in a bus along the Nibo-Isiagu Road when the vehicle became trapped and overturned in floodwaters following heavy rainfall across parts of the state.

Nine other occupants of the vehicle, comprising seven schoolchildren and two adults, were rescued by police operatives working with residents and taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, for medical attention.

Success was initially reported missing after he was swept away by the flood. His body was recovered the following morning during a search operation involving security personnel and members of the community.

The tragedy has drawn widespread concern over the dangers posed by flash flooding, particularly to children and other residents travelling through flood-prone areas.

Soludo, speaking during a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church of St Faith in Awka on Sunday, described the death as deeply unfortunate and offered prayers for the bereaved family.

The governor also urged residents to take greater personal responsibility for preventing and managing flooding in their communities.

He called on residents to control rainwater flowing from their properties, avoid blocking drainage channels, plant trees and regularly clear waterways.

Soludo said tackling flooding and gully erosion required collective action, noting that government intervention alone could not address the challenges without cooperation from residents.

He urged people to use the tragedy as a reminder of the need for responsible environmental practices and greater vigilance during periods of heavy rainfall.

The governor also called on residents to take precautions whenever heavy rainfall threatens their communities, particularly by avoiding flooded roads, waterways and other areas where rising water could pose a danger.

The death of Success has renewed attention on flooding in Anambra, where heavy rainfall has recently affected roads, homes and other infrastructure.

The state government continues to appeal to residents to keep drainage systems clear and cooperate with authorities on measures aimed at reducing flooding and erosion risks.

For the Ezenwafor family and the school community, the incident has resulted in the loss of a young pupil whose life was cut short while on his way to school.