The body of Success Ezenwafor, a pupil of UNIZIK Primary School in Awka, Anambra State, who was swept away by floodwaters during Tuesday’s heavy rainfall, has been recovered.
Success was among children affected after a school shuttle bus was reportedly overtaken by floodwaters in Awka South Local Government Area.
The Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, who led rescue efforts following the incident, confirmed the recovery of the pupil’s body.
Okafor said the other children involved in the incident were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, where he was also present to monitor their condition.
According to a member of the Ezenwafor family, Success had left home for school that morning after saying goodbye to his father. The family member said the child kissed his father on both cheeks before boarding the school shuttle.
He reportedly did not return home.
Two other children from the same family who were involved in the incident were rescued and are currently receiving medical attention.
The family member described Success as a courageous child, alleging that he helped other pupils escape from the vehicle by breaking one of its windows and creating an opening through which some of the children were able to get out.
However, the child was reportedly swept away by the floodwaters before he could reach safety.
His recovery has left the Ezenwafor family and members of the community mourning the loss of the young pupil, while attention remains on the recovery and treatment of the surviving children.
The incident has also renewed concerns over the risks posed by flooding in Awka, particularly around roads and routes used by school children and motorists during periods of heavy rainfall.
Community members have continued to offer condolences to the Ezenwafor family and prayers for strength and comfort as they mourn their loss.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
