Grief has swept through Umuoduba village in Ideani Community, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, following the discovery of three dead children inside the home of a woman known locally as an Ezenwanyi, or native doctor.
The children, said to be between the ages of 6 and 15, were found lifeless inside the woman's residence.
A fourth child was rescued alive after the President General of Ideani Community, Chief Paul Okoye, intervened alongside the Divisional Police Officer of Ogidi Division.
The surviving child was rushed to hospital, where she remains under medical care.
Police operatives, who arrived at the scene with the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Mr Stanley Nkwoka, took the woman into custody.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, by its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
‘The Anambra State Police Command, today, 5th August 2026, expressed profound sadness over the discovery of four unconscious children at a residential premises in Umuoduba Village, Ideani, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State,’ the statement read.
‘Upon receipt of the information, the Rescue team led by Police Operatives attached to Ogidi Police Station rushed the victims immediately to a hospital for emergency medical attention.
‘Regrettably, three of the children were certified dead by medical doctors, while the fourth victim is currently receiving treatment in a critical condition.’
According to the statement, the suspect is now in police custody as the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) takes over the case.
‘Given the development, the Command wishes to confirm that a female suspect is currently in Police custody in connection with the incident, as State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) shall take over the case and conduct a thorough, professional, intelligence-driven, and evidence-based investigation.’
Ikenga said investigators are hopeful that the surviving child, once she recovers, will help shed light on what happened.
‘Meanwhile, Police Operatives are hopeful that subject to the survivor's recovery and medical clearance, the testimony of the surviving child will assist in unravelling the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and support other necessary investigative actions.’
The statement added that the bodies of the deceased children have been deposited at a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
‘The bodies of the deceased have been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.’
The police command extended condolences to the bereaved families and the wider community, while appealing for calm as investigations continue.
‘The Command while extending its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and sympathising with the people of Ideani Community over this heartbreaking incident, urge the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and allow the Police to conclude their investigations.’
The statement concluded with a promise of transparency as the case develops.
‘Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.’
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