Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed condolences to 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 reportedly on his way to school last Tuesday when the school bus conveying him and other passengers became trapped and overturned in the flood.
Nine other occupants of the vehicle, including seven schoolchildren and two adults, were rescued alive by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command, with assistance from local residents. They were taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Awka for medical attention.
However, Success was swept away by the floodwaters. His body was recovered on Wednesday morning.
Speaking during an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith in Awka on Sunday to mark Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary, Soludo sympathised with the bereaved family, the school and the wider community.
The governor prayed for God to grant the family and community the strength to cope with the loss.
Soludo also used the occasion to call on residents to take greater responsibility for preventing flooding. He urged Ndi Anambra to control rainwater runoff from their compounds, avoid blocking drainage channels, plant trees and regularly clear drainage systems.
He said everyone had a role to play in protecting communities and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The governor also emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in nation-building, saying his administration remained committed to peace, progress and good governance in Anambra State.
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