Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed condolences to the family of Success Ezenwafor, the 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 a school bus conveying him and other occupants was trapped and overturned by floodwaters.
Nine other occupants of the vehicle, including seven schoolchildren and two adults, were rescued by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command with the support of residents and taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (Amaku), Awka.
The pupil remained missing until his body was recovered on Wednesday morning.
Speaking during a church service commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, on Sunday, Soludo described the incident as a painful loss for the family, the school community and the state.
The governor said the tragedy had deeply affected the Ezenwafor family, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, the Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area and Anambra residents.
He offered prayers for the family and all those affected by the loss.
“We offer fervent prayers that Almighty God grants the family, the school, and the community the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable separation,” Soludo said.
The governor also used the occasion to urge residents to take environmental responsibility seriously to help prevent similar incidents.
He called on residents to properly manage rainwater runoff from their compounds, avoid blocking drainage channels, plant trees and participate in regular drainage cleaning.
“Everyone has a critical role to play in safeguarding our communities, so as to prevent future occurrence of this sad development,” he said.
In a separate message posted on his Facebook page, Soludo reflected on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, describing nation-building as a collective responsibility that requires resilience, sacrifice and active participation from citizens.
The governor said his administration remains committed to peace, progress and good governance in Anambra State.
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