The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a teacher accused of allegedly flogging a 12-year-old student to death at a school in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said officers attached to the Neni Division responded swiftly after receiving a report of the incident on July 16 and rushed the pupil to a hospital, where the child was confirmed dead while receiving treatment.
According to the police, the body has been deposited in the hospital mortuary for preservation and an autopsy, while preliminary observations revealed visible marks of violence on different parts of the deceased’s body.
Ikenga disclosed that the Command has activated its Safe School Initiative, with the investigation being coordinated by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Harrison Oruruo.
He said the initiative includes a manhunt for the fleeing teacher and a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
The Police Command expressed deep concern over the incident and assured the bereaved family and the public that the investigation would be thorough, transparent and impartial, with anyone found culpable brought to justice.
The command also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting schoolchildren through the Safe School Initiative and appealed to members of the public with useful information on the whereabouts of the suspect to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.
