The Safe School Initiative (SSI) Unit of the Police Command in Anambra State has launched a manhunt for a teacher for allegedallegedly flogging a 12-year-old pupil to death.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Awka.

Mr Ikenga said that the incident occurred on July 16 in the Adazi-Ani Anaocha Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

He stated, “The Anambra Police Command has activated its SSI operations led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of operation, 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 LGA of the state.”

According to him, in 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 added that the body had 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,” he stated.

The police spokesman said that the case was under investigation and necessary steps were being taken to ensure that anyone found culpable would face the law.

The command expressed deep concern over the incident and assured the family of the deceased and members of the public that it would conduct a thorough, diligent, and transparent investigation on the matter.

The command reiterated its commitment to the protection of schoolchildren through the SSI.

It urged members of the public with useful information that could aid the arrest of the fleeing suspect to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency line; 07039194332. (NAN)