The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a teacher accused of allegedly flogging a 12-year-old student to death in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, saying the incident occurred on July 16.
According to Ikenga, the Safe School Initiative (SSI) Unit, led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, Harrison Oruruo, has been directed to track down the fleeing suspect and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He said officers attached to the Neni Police Division responded immediately after receiving the report and rushed the victim to a hospital, where the boy was confirmed dead while receiving treatment.
The deceased’s body has since been deposited in the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Ikenga said preliminary findings revealed visible marks of violence on different parts of the victim’s body, while photographs were taken as part of the investigation.
He assured the public that the case was being thoroughly investigated and that anyone found responsible would be prosecuted.
The police also expressed sympathy to the victim’s family and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting schoolchildren through the Safe School Initiative.
The command appealed to members of the public with information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing teacher to report to the nearest police station or contact its emergency line.