By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a teacher allegedly involved in the death of a 12-year-old pupil, who reportedly died after being severely flogged at a school in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.
The Command said the operation was being coordinated under its Safe School Initiative, with the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Harrison Oruruo, leading the team to track down the fleeing suspect and ensure justice is served.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who said the tragic incident was reported to the Police on the evening of Thursday, July 16, 2026.
According to the statement, Police Operatives attached to the Neni Divisional Headquarters responded immediately after receiving the distress report and rushed the victim to a hospital for urgent medical attention.
He said sadly, the 12-year-old boy was confirmed dead by a medical doctor while receiving treatment.
The Police Spokesman disclosed that the deceased’s body has been deposited in the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy, while detectives have commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He added that photographs of the deceased were taken during the preliminary investigation, which revealed visible marks of violence on different parts of the boy’s body.
According to SP Ikenga, the case is now under active investigation, with the Command taking all necessary steps to apprehend the fleeing teacher and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Command expressed deep concern over the tragic death of the schoolboy and extended its condolences to the bereaved family, assuring them that the investigation would be thorough, diligent and transparent.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding schoolchildren across the state through the Safe School Initiative, stressing that schools must remain safe environments for learning, discipline and child development, rather than places where children are exposed to violence or abuse.
The Police further appealed to members of the public with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect to report to the nearest police station or contact the Anambra State Police Command through its emergency line, 07039194332.
