Death Of Six-year-old In Flood Incident: NBM Demands National Child Safety Measures
Sources: Independent NG | All Time Post | Tribune Online NG |
The NBM of Africa Worldwide has expressed deep sorrow over the death of six-year-old Success Ezenwafor, a pupil of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Primary School, who was swept away by floodwater while reportedly trying to save other children trapped in a school bus in Anambra State.
In a condolence statement issued on Saturday and made available to journalists, the President of NBM of Africa Worldwide, Dr Charles Chimezie, Ph.D., commiserated with the family of the deceased, the management and pupils of UNIZIK Primary School, and the government and people of Anambra State over the tragic incident.
Success was swept away on Tuesday when the school bus conveying him and other occupants was trapped and overturned by floodwater along the Nibo–Isiagu Road in Awka South Local Government Area.
Nine other occupants of the vehicle—seven schoolchildren and two adults—were rescued by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with residents. They were taken to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, for treatment.
Success, however, remained missing until his body was recovered on Wednesday morning during a search operation conducted by the police and members of the community. His remains were subsequently deposited at the morgue.
Dr Chimezie described the child’s death as “a painful and heartbreaking loss,” saying that Success’s courage and selflessness in the face of danger had left an enduring mark on all who heard of the tragedy.
“On behalf of the NBM of Africa Worldwide, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Master Success Ezenwafor, the management, teachers and pupils of UNIZIK Primary School, and the government and people of Anambra State.
“The loss of a child is a wound no parent should be forced to bear. That Success died while attempting to save other children makes this tragedy even more painful, but it also reveals the extraordinary courage and compassion that lived in such a young heart.
“We pray that God will grant his family the strength to endure this irreparable loss, comfort his school community and grant eternal rest to his gentle soul. We also pray for the full recovery of all those rescued from the accident,” he said.
The NBM president urged relevant authorities to intensify measures to prevent a recurrence of the incident, particularly by improving drainage systems, monitoring flood-prone roads and ensuring that school transport operators do not expose children to avoidable danger during heavy rainfall.
He also commended the police, residents and other rescuers who joined the search and rescue efforts, describing their intervention as a demonstration of community solidarity in a moment of grave distress.
As the family and school community mourn, the memory of Success remains tied to a story of bravery, sacrifice and a child’s instinct to protect others—a bright young life cut short by raging floodwater, but remembered for the courage he showed when others needed help.