The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a teacher accused of allegedly flogging a 12-year-old student to death in Anambra.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, issued on Friday in Awka.
According to Ikenga, the incident occurred in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state, on July 16, prompting the activation of the Command’s Safe School Initiative (SSI) Unit, led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Harrison Oruruo.
He said the team had been directed to track down the teacher, who fled after the alleged assault on the student.
Ikenga explained that upon receiving the report on the evening of July 16, police operatives attached to the Neni Division responded immediately and rushed the victim to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor while receiving treatment.
He added that the body had been deposited in the hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
According to him, preliminary observations revealed visible marks of violence on different parts of the boy’s body, while photographs of the deceased were taken as part of the investigation.
The police spokesperson said the case was under investigation and assured that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Command expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured the public that a thorough, diligent and transparent investigation would be carried out.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting schoolchildren through the Safe School Initiative and urged anyone 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 lines.