The body of Success Ezenwafor, a pupil of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Primary School, Awka, Anambra State, who was swept away by flood waters on Tuesday, has been recovered.
Success was among schoolchildren travelling in a shuttle bus when heavy flooding overtook the vehicle along the Awka–Nibo–Nise–Enugwu-Ukwu Ring Road.
His recovery on Wednesday brought a tragic end to the search for the young pupil, whose disappearance had sparked a frantic rescue operation involving security personnel, residents and other responders.
Mayor Confirms Recovery
The Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, confirmed that Success’ body had been found.
Okafor, who was involved in the rescue efforts, said the other children rescued from the flood incident were receiving medical attention.
“The body of the missing child, Success Ezenwafor has been recovered. The other children are in stable condition and receiving medical treatment at the hospital. I am at Amaku Teaching Hospital at the moment,” he said.
The Anambra State Police Command had earlier confirmed that seven schoolchildren and two adults were rescued from the flooded area, while the search continued for Success.
His Father’s Last Goodbye
According to Dr Uche Nworah, who shared an update on the incident, Success’ father vividly remembered his son’s final moments before he left for school.
The child reportedly kissed his father on both cheeks, said goodbye and boarded the school shuttle.
“He never returned home,” Nworah said.
Two other children from the Ezenwafor family who were involved in the incident were rescued and are receiving treatment.
Child Reportedly Helped Others Escape
A member of the Ezenwafor family described Success as a brave boy, saying he reportedly broke one of the windows of the vehicle after it became trapped by the floodwaters.
The opening created an escape route through which some of the other occupants were able to get out.
However, Success was unable to reach safety before he was swept away by the rushing water.
Family Left Devastated
The recovery of the child’s body has left the Ezenwafor family devastated.
Nworah said a member of the family described them as understandably distraught following the tragic development.
The incident has also renewed concerns over the dangers posed by sudden flooding along roads frequently used by schoolchildren, motorists and other commuters in Awka.
The flooding followed heavy rainfall across parts of Anambra, with several vehicles reportedly caught in the rising water.
