Police launch manhunt for Anambra teacher for allegedly flogging pupil to death

The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a teacher accused of flogging a 12-year-old pupil to death at a school in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.

The tragic incident, which has sparked outrage, is being investigated under the Command’s Safe School Initiative, with the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Harrison Oruruo, leading the team handling the case.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the incident was reported to the Neni Police Division on the evening of July 16, 2026.

He said police operatives responded immediately and rushed the critically injured pupil to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor while receiving treatment.

Ikenga disclosed that the victim’s body had been deposited in the hospital morgue for preservation and an autopsy.

He added that photographs taken during the preliminary investigation revealed visible marks of violence on different parts of the deceased’s body, lending weight to allegations that the boy was severely flogged.

“The case is under active investigation, and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice,” the police spokesman stated.

He said the Command had activated its Safe School Initiative and directed a special operations team to track down the fleeing teacher allegedly responsible for the fatal assault.

The Command expressed deep concern over the incident and assured the bereaved family and members of the public that the investigation would be thorough, diligent and transparent.

Ikenga also reaffirmed the Police Command’s commitment to protecting schoolchildren across the state through the Safe School Initiative.

He appealed to members of the public with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency line, 07039194332.

The incident has heightened concerns over corporal punishment in schools and renewed calls for stricter measures to safeguard pupils from abuse in learning environments.