The Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra state, Prince Chinedu Okafor, has confirmed the recovery of the body of a pupil who was swept away by floodwaters along the Awka-Nibo-Nise-Enugu-Ukwu Ring road.

The deceased, identified as Success Ezenwafor, a pupil of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Primary School, was swept away during Tuesday’s flooding incident while travelling along the affected route. 

His body was recovered after search and rescue efforts involving local residents and other responders.

The incident occurred amid heavy rainfall that caused flooding in parts of Awka, trapping vehicles carrying schoolchildren and other commuters. Seven schoolchildren and two adults were rescued from the affected area during the initial emergency response, while the search continued for Ezenwafor.

Confirming the recovery, Okafor expressed profound sadness over the death of the young pupil and conveyed his condolences to the Ezenwafor family, describing the incident as a painful loss.

The mayor, who was involved in the rescue efforts, said the family had been thrown into grief by the tragedy and prayed that God would grant them the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

He also confirmed that the other children and adults rescued from the incident were receiving medical attention and responding to treatment.

The development brought some relief to families whose children were caught in the flood, even as the recovery of Success’s body turned the incident into a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by rapidly rising floodwaters.

Okafor said the eight other children and two adults affected by the incident were receiving medical care and responding to treatment.

The authorities had earlier confirmed that seven schoolchildren and two adults were rescued from the flooded route, with community members and Safe School Operatives involved in the emergency response.

The incident reportedly occurred along the Nibo–Isiagu road, popularly known as the Ring road, where floodwaters overwhelmed sections of the route and left vehicles carrying schoolchildren and other road users stranded.

The emergency highlighted the risks faced by children and commuters when heavy rainfall causes water levels to rise rapidly, particularly along roads vulnerable to flooding.

The Awka South mayor commended the youths of Isiagu for their courage and prompt intervention during the rescue operation, saying their efforts contributed significantly to saving lives.

He also acknowledged the role played by Udogachi Awka South in the emergency response, appreciating its contribution to the efforts to rescue those trapped by the flood.

According to him, the response demonstrated the importance of community cooperation and collective action during emergencies, particularly in situations where every minute can determine whether vulnerable people are brought to safety.

Okafor expressed appreciation to all individuals and groups who participated in the rescue efforts, noting that their willingness to respond at a difficult moment helped to reduce the impact of the incident.

The mayor, while reiterating the commitment of the Awka South local government administration to the safety and welfare of residents, urged the public to exercise maximum caution whenever there is heavy rainfall.

He specifically advised motorists, schoolchildren, parents, commuters and other residents to avoid flood-prone roads, waterways and other locations that could become hazardous during periods of intense rainfall.

Okafor also appealed to residents to avoid unnecessary journeys when flooding occurs, warning that exposing themselves or their loved ones to avoidable risks could have tragic consequences.

“We mourn the child we have lost and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family. We pray for strength and comfort for them at this difficult time,” the mayor said.

“We are grateful that the other eight children and two adults are responding to treatment. I commend the youths of Isiagu and Udogachi Awka South for their courage, bravery and gallantry during the rescue operation.

“I urge all residents to exercise extreme caution whenever there is heavy rainfall. Please avoid flood-prone areas and do not take unnecessary risks with your lives or the lives of your loved ones. No journey is worth the loss of a human life.”

The Awka incident has once again drawn attention to the dangers posed by flooding to schoolchildren, motorists and other residents during periods of heavy rainfall.

Videos from the scene showed vehicles caught in floodwaters, while rescue efforts were mounted to evacuate children and adults from the affected area. The police said Safe School Operatives, working alongside community members, rescued seven schoolchildren and two adults and moved them to safety.

The recovery of Success Ezenwafor’s body has now brought a tragic conclusion to the search for the missing pupil, while the condition of those rescued provides some measure of relief to the affected families.

The incident also underscores the importance of timely emergency response and community preparedness, especially in areas where flooding can develop rapidly following prolonged or intense rainfall.

The mayor’s warning comes as authorities continue to urge residents in flood-prone parts of Anambra to take precautionary measures during the ongoing rainy season.

Residents have been advised to avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways, particularly when the depth and speed of the water cannot be determined. Parents and guardians have also been urged to keep children away from drainage channels, streams and other dangerous areas during heavy rainfall.

The wife of the Anambra State governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, separately urged residents in flood-prone communities to relocate to safer areas where necessary, heed flood warnings and avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways. She also appealed to residents to stop dumping refuse in drainage channels, noting that blocked waterways can worsen flooding and endanger lives.

The Awka South incident has demonstrated the importance of community vigilance and cooperation during emergencies, with local youths playing a significant role alongside formal rescue and security personnel.

While the successful rescue of those who survived provides an important lesson in the value of rapid intervention, the death of Success serves as a painful reminder that floodwaters can become deadly within a short period.

For the Ezenwafor family, the recovery of their son’s body closes a desperate search but opens a period of mourning. For the wider community, the tragedy reinforces the need for residents to take flood warnings seriously and for emergency-response mechanisms to remain prepared.

As rainfall continues, the appeal from the Awka South administration remains straightforward: residents should avoid unnecessary exposure to floodwaters, exercise caution on affected roads and prioritise the safety of themselves and their loved ones whenever severe weather conditions arise.