Command launches Safe School Initiative operation after a 12-year-old student allegedly died following corporal punishment in Anaocha Local Government Area

The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a teacher accused of allegedly flogging a 12-year-old student whose injuries reportedly led to his death in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area, prompting a criminal investigation under the state’s Safe School Initiative.

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The development was announced on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who said the operation is being coordinated by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Harrison Oruruo.

According to Ikenga, the special team has been directed to locate the teacher allegedly involved in the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought before the law.

“The team will, among 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 said.

The police spokesperson disclosed that the incident was reported to the Neni Divisional Police Headquarters on the evening of July 16, 2026, after which officers responded immediately and rushed the pupil to a hospital.

“On receipt of the report in the evening of July 16, 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,” he said.

Ikenga added that the boy’s body has been deposited in the hospital mortuary for preservation and an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.

He also revealed that investigators documented the scene and took photographs of the deceased, noting that preliminary observations showed visible marks of violence on different parts of the child’s body.

The Anambra Teacher Pupil Death case remains under active investigation, with police assuring the bereaved family and members of the public that every aspect of the incident will be thoroughly examined.

“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,” Ikenga said.

The incident has renewed attention on the use of corporal punishment in schools and the responsibilities of teachers in safeguarding the welfare of pupils.

Although corporal punishment remains a contentious issue in parts of Nigeria, several education stakeholders and child rights advocates have repeatedly called for non-violent disciplinary measures to protect children from abuse and prevent avoidable tragedies.

Ikenga said the command remains committed to strengthening school safety through its Safe School Initiative, a programme designed to improve the protection of pupils, teachers and educational facilities across the state.

He appealed to members of the public with information that could assist investigators to cooperate with the police.

“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 said.

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As the search for the suspect continues, police said further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.