Seven schoolchildren and two adults have been rescued after their school bus became trapped in floodwater along Nibo–Isiagu Road in Awka, Anambra State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, September 22, 2026, following heavy rainfall in the area.
The Anambra State Police Command said its Safe School Operatives, working with members of the community, responded after receiving information about the incident and successfully rescued nine people from the flooded area.
However, one child who was travelling in the bus remained unaccounted for after the rescue operation.
The police said a search and rescue operation had been launched and was being sustained in collaboration with community members and other relevant stakeholders to locate the missing child.
The command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, had directed that the search be expanded until the child is found.
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The police also appealed to residents living or operating around the affected route to provide any information that could assist in locating the missing child.
Authorities urged parents, guardians, school authorities and motorists to exercise caution around flooded roads, bridges and waterways, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Parents and guardians were also advised to prevent children from attempting to cross flooded or otherwise dangerous routes.
The police said it would continue working with communities and relevant agencies under the Safe School Initiative to improve the safety of schoolchildren and reduce the risk of emergencies during flooding.
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