Three Children Die Mysteriously at Anambra Native Doctor’s Residence, Police Launch Full Investigation

Three children have been confirmed dead, while a fourth is battling for survival, after they were discovered unconscious inside the residence of a female native doctor in Umuoduba Village, Ideani, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The tragic incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving residents searching for answers over the circumstances surrounding the children’s deaths. The victims, believed to be between six and 15 years old, were reportedly found lying unconscious within the compound of the woman, popularly known as an Ezenwanyi (female native doctor).

Residents rushed the children to a nearby hospital after discovering them. Medical personnel, however, confirmed three of the victims dead on arrival, while the fourth child, who was still breathing, remains in critical condition receiving treatment.

The identities of the children and how they came to be inside the compound were yet to be established as of the time of filing this report. Community members said the suspect, who keeps livestock, including pigs and poultry, within the premises, was immediately taken into custody by operatives of the Ogidi Divisional Police Headquarters in collaboration with local leaders.

PROFESSOR CHARLES SOLUDO

Videos circulating on social media showed the Divisional Police Officer of the Ogidi Division leading a team of security personnel, community leaders and the President-General of Ideani Community on an inspection of the premises. The footage captured the suspect accompanying investigators as they examined various parts of the compound, including residential buildings and shrines, while anxious residents watched from a distance.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said officers responded promptly to a distress call and rushed the victims to the hospital for emergency medical attention. He expressed the Command’s deep sadness over the tragedy, noting that while three children were pronounced dead by doctors, the fourth victim remains in critical condition.

Ikenga disclosed that the female suspect is currently in police custody, adding that the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has taken over the case for a comprehensive, intelligence-driven and evidence-based investigation aimed at uncovering the exact cause of the deaths.

He said investigators are hopeful that the testimony of the surviving child, once medically fit, may provide crucial clues to unravel the mystery surrounding the incident. He also confirmed that the remains of the deceased children have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

The Police Command extended its condolences to the bereaved families and the Ideani community, urging residents to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and allow investigators to complete their work. It assured the public that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.