By Osaretin Osadebamwen, Abuja
The Safe School Initiative (SSI) Unit of the Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a teacher accused of flogging a 12‑year‑old student, an incident that allegedly led to the child’s death.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Awka. He explained that the case had drawn immediate attention from the command due to its severity and the involvement of a minor.
According to Mr. Ikenga, the incident occurred on July 16 in Adazi‑Ani, a community within Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State. The police have since intensified efforts to locate the suspect and ensure accountability.
He further disclosed that the Anambra Police Command activated its Safe School Initiative operations to handle the matter. The unit is being led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Harrison Oruruo, who is in charge of operations.
The police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to bring the suspect to justice. The command reiterated its commitment to protecting students and ensuring that schools remain safe environments for learning.
“The team will, amongst others, commence a manhunt for a teacher that allegedly flogged a 12-year-old student, resulting in the victim’s death at a school, in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha LGA of the state,” he said.
According to him, after receiving the report in the evening of 16 July, police operatives attached to Neni Division responded promptly and rushed the victim to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor while receiving treatment.
He said that the body had been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
“Photographs of the deceased were taken, and preliminary observations revealed visible marks of violence on different parts of the victim’s body,” he said.
The AnambraPolice Command spokesman says it has commenced an investigation into the alleged death of a 12-year-old student, assuring that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, said the case remains under investigation and that the command is committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The command expressed deep concern over the tragic development and extended assurances to the family of the deceased as well as members of the public that the investigation would be thorough, diligent and transparent.
According to the police, every aspect of the case will be carefully examined to ensure justice is served in line with the law.
The command also reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of school children through the Safe School Initiative (SSI), stressing that the programme remains central to its efforts to promote safety in schools.
The police urged members of the public with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspect to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency line on 07039194332.
