Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has condoled with the family of Success Ezenwafor, a pupil of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, who was swept away by floodwaters in Isiagu, Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
Success was on his way to school last Tuesday when the 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 alive by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command, with the assistance of residents.
They were taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, for medical attention.
Success was swept away by the floodwaters and remained missing until his remains were recovered on Wednesday morning.
Soludo expressed his condolences on Sunday during a church service at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith in Awka to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
He said the incident had brought deep sorrow to the Ezenwafor family, the pupil’s school, the Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area and residents across the state.
The governor prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family, the school and the community.
Soludo also used the occasion to urge residents to take steps to reduce flooding and protect 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.
The governor urged residents to take personal responsibility for protecting the environment, saying everyone had a role to play in preventing a recurrence of the tragedy.
In a separate post on his Facebook page, Soludo said he attended the thanksgiving service alongside his wife, Nonye, Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze, members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly, as well as other residents.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, the governor described nation-building as a collective responsibility requiring resilience, sacrifice and active participation.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace, progress and good governance in Anambra State.