Published by Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A wave of shock and grief has swept through the Ideani community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State following the discovery of three lifeless children at the residence of a suspected female native doctor, popularly known as "Ezenwanyi." The tragic incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, August 5, 2026, has left residents struggling to comprehend the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the young victims, whose ages are believed to be between six and 15 years. A fourth child, found unconscious alongside the others, was rescued and rushed to a hospital, where they remain in critical condition, according to the Anambra State Police Command.
The discovery was made at the woman's residence in Umuoduba Village, Ideani, throwing the community into shock. Residents said four children were found unconscious within the woman's residential compound. While three were confirmed dead, the fourth child, who was still breathing, was taken to a hospital by residents before emergency responders arrived. Videos circulating on social media showed the Divisional Police Officer of the Ogidi Division, accompanied by community leaders, local security personnel and the President-General of Ideani Community, inspecting the premises shortly after the incident. The footage also showed the suspect leading security operatives around different sections of the compound, including shrines and residential areas, as residents watched from a distance.
Confirming the incident, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said police operatives attached to the Ogidi Division responded immediately after receiving a distress report. He said the victims were rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment, where medical doctors confirmed three of the children dead, while the fourth remains on admission in critical condition. Ikenga added that the female suspect is currently in police custody and that the State Criminal Investigation Department has taken over the case for a comprehensive investigation. "The Anambra State Police Command expresses 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," Ikenga stated.
The identities of the deceased children have not yet been confirmed, and the relationship between the children and the suspect remains unclear. Sources in the community speculated that the children might have been workers at the residence of the woman, who is also involved in livestock rearing, including pigs and poultry, or possibly her biological children. However, these claims have not been independently verified. The police spokesperson said investigators were hopeful that the surviving child’s account, subject to medical recovery and clearance, would help unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. He added that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly arrested by the police and is currently being held at the Ogidi Police Division in Idemili North Local Government Area. As of the time of this report, the Anambra State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement confirming the incident or disclose the identity of the arrested woman. Authorities are expected to establish the identities of the deceased, determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths and clarify the relationship between the children and the suspect. Ikenga extended the command’s condolences to the bereaved families and the Ideani community, urging residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and allow investigators to conclude their work. He said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
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