The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a teacher accused of allegedly flogging a 12-year-old pupil to death at a school in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area, in a tragic incident that has sparked outrage across the state.
The Command disclosed in a statement issued on Friday, July 17, 2026, by its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, that the operation is being coordinated under its Safe School Initiative, led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Harrison Oruruo.
According to the statement, police operatives attached to the Neni Division swiftly responded after receiving a report of the incident on the evening of Thursday, July 16, 2026.
“The Anambra State Police Command has activated its Safe School Initiative Operations led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operation, ACP Harrison Oruruo. 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 Local Government Area of the State,” Ikenga stated.
The police said the victim was immediately rushed to a hospital by responding officers but was confirmed dead by a medical doctor while receiving treatment.
“On receipt of the report in the evening of 16th July 2026, 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,” the statement added.
The Command disclosed that the boy’s body has been deposited in a hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while preliminary findings revealed visible signs of violence.
“The body has 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.”
Police assured the bereaved family and members of the public that a comprehensive investigation is already underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure justice is served.
“The case is under active investigation, and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice,” Ikenga said.
Expressing deep concern over the incident, the Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding schoolchildren through the Safe School Initiative and appealed to members of the public to assist investigators with credible information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspect.
“The Command has expressed deep concern over the tragic incident and assured the family of the deceased and members of the public that the Command will conduct a thorough, diligent, and transparent investigation.
“The Command further reiterates its commitment to the protection of school children through the Safe School Initiative and urges members of the public with useful information that could aid the arrest of the suspect to report to the nearest Police Station or contact the Command through its emergency line 07039194332,” the statement added.
