One child is missing while nine others, including two adults, have been rescued after their school bus became trapped in floodwater along the Nibo–Isiagu Road in Awka, Anambra State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday following heavy rainfall, as the children and accompanying adults were reportedly on their way to school.
The Anambra State Police Command said its Safe School Operatives, working with community members, responded after receiving information about the incident and rescued nine people from the flooded area.
The command said a search and rescue operation had been launched for the missing child.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the operation was being conducted with community members and other relevant stakeholders.
According to Ikenga, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, directed that the search be sustained and expanded until the child is found.
He appealed to residents, particularly those living or operating around the affected route, to provide any information that could assist the search.
Ikenga also urged parents, guardians, school authorities and motorists to exercise extreme caution around flooded roads, bridges and waterways during heavy rainfall.
He advised parents and guardians to ensure that children do not attempt to cross flooded or otherwise dangerous routes.
The police spokesperson said the command would continue working with communities and relevant agencies under the Safe School Initiative to protect schoolchildren and prevent avoidable loss of life during emergencies.
