Soludo Mourns School Pupil Swept Away by Flood in Anambra

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

Success was on his way to school last Tuesday when the school bus conveying him and nine other occupants became trapped and overturned in floodwaters.

Nine people in the vehicle, including seven schoolchildren and two adults, were rescued alive by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command, working with concerned residents. They were taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, for medical attention.

Success, however, was swept away by the floodwaters and remained missing until his remains were recovered on Wednesday morning.

Soludo, speaking on Sunday at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, during a thanksgiving service to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, said the death had brought deep sorrow to the Ezenwafor family, the pupil’s school, the Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area and the wider state.

“In addition, we offer fervent prayers that Almighty God grants the family, the school, and the community the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable separation,” the governor said.

While mourning the pupil, Soludo also urged residents to take greater responsibility for preventing flooding and protecting their communities.

He called on Ndi Anambra to control rainwater runoff from their compounds, avoid blocking drainage channels, plant trees and regularly clear drainage systems.

“Ultimately, while praying for the peaceful repose of the soul of Master Success Ezenwafor, we urged the public to use the tragedy as a catalyst to take personal responsibility for the environment,” he said.

The governor stressed that preventing future flooding incidents required collective action from residents alongside government efforts.

“Everyone has a critical role to play in safeguarding our communities, so as to prevent future occurrence of this sad development,” Soludo added.