The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a teacher accused of flogging a 12-year-old pupil to death in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.
The incident reportedly occurred on July 16, 2026. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command has activated its Safe School Initiative (SSI) operations, led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, Harrison Oruruo, to investigate the case and apprehend the suspect.
Ikenga said police operatives attached to the Neni Division responded after receiving a report of the incident and rushed the pupil to a hospital. The child was confirmed dead by a medical doctor while receiving treatment.
The body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for preservation and an autopsy.
Preliminary findings by the police revealed visible marks of violence on different parts of the victim's body. Photographs of the deceased were taken as part of the ongoing investigation.
“The Anambra Police Command has activated its SSI operations led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, Harrison Oruruo,” Ikenga said in a statement issued in Awka.
He added that the investigative team has been directed to commence a manhunt for the teacher alleged to have carried out the flogging that resulted in the pupil's death.
The police said investigations are ongoing and assured the deceased's family and the public that the matter would be handled thoroughly and transparently. The command also stated that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting children in schools through the Safe School Initiative, the command appealed to members of the public with useful information about the suspect's whereabouts to report to the nearest police station or contact its emergency line on 07039194332.
