Police Launch Investigation as Three Children Die at Anambra Native Doctor’s Residence

Police Launch Investigation as Three Children Die at Anambra Native Doctor’s Residence

Tragedy strikes Ideani community as three children are confirmed dead and a fourth fights for life after being discovered unconscious at a female traditional healer’s residence. The suspect, known as “Ezenwanyi,” is now in police custody.

AWKA, Nigeria – A quiet community in Anambra State has been plunged into mourning after the lifeless bodies of three children were discovered at the residence of a female native doctor in Umuoduba Village, Ideani, Idemili North Local Government Area. The tragic incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday, August 5, 2026, has left residents reeling as they grapple with unanswered questions about how four young children ended up unconscious inside the compound of a woman popularly known in the area as “Ezenwanyi.” Three of the children – believed to be between the ages of 6 and 15 – were confirmed dead by medical doctors upon arrival at the hospital. A fourth child, who was found still breathing, remains in critical condition and is currently receiving emergency medical care.

According to eyewitness accounts, residents of Umuoduba Village raised the alarm after discovering the children lying unconscious within the female native doctor’s residential premises. The compound, which also serves as a livestock farm housing pigs and poultry birds, became the scene of a frantic rescue operation. A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the harrowing moment, stating that the four children were found unconscious in the woman’s compound, with three already lifeless when they were discovered, while the fourth child was still breathing and was rushed to the hospital. The resident added that the incident has left everyone in the community in shock. Community leaders and local security personnel quickly mobilized, and the fourth child was rushed to a nearby hospital by residents before emergency responders could arrive. The identities of the deceased children and their relationship to the suspect have not yet been established.

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The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that operatives attached to the Ogidi Police Division responded immediately after receiving a distress call. In an official statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, expressed the command’s profound sadness over the discovery, explaining that upon receipt of the information, the rescue team led by police operatives rushed the victims immediately to a hospital for emergency medical attention. He regretted that three of the children were certified dead by medical doctors, while the fourth victim is currently receiving treatment in a critical condition. The female suspect, identified locally as Ezenwanyi, was arrested and taken into custody by police operatives in collaboration with community leaders. She is currently being held at the Ogidi Police Division, while the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has taken over the case for a comprehensive, intelligence-driven, and evidence-based investigation.

Videos circulating on social media showed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ogidi Division, accompanied by community leaders, local security personnel, and the President-General of Ideani Community, Chief Paul Okoye, inspecting the premises shortly after the incident. The footage also captured the suspect leading security operatives around different sections of the compound, including shrines and residential areas, as stunned residents watched from a distance. Also present at the scene was the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Mr. Stanley Nkwoka, who joined the inspection team.

As of the time of filing this report, several critical questions remain unanswered, including the identities and ages of the children, which have not been officially released, and what their relationship was with the suspect. Community members have speculated that the children may have been workers at the residence or possibly relatives, but these claims remain unverified. The cause of their deaths also remains unclear, as autopsy results are pending, with the bodies having been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and further examination. The police spokesperson expressed hope that the surviving child’s testimony, subject to medical recovery and clearance, would provide crucial clues to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga extended the command’s condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Ideani community, urging residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and allow investigators to conduct their work without interference. He reiterated that the Anambra State Police Command expresses profound sadness over this incident and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information while allowing investigators to conclude their work, adding that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Ideani and beyond, with many residents struggling to come to terms with the loss of three young lives. The incident has also reignited conversations about the activities of traditional healers and the safety of children in communities across Anambra State. As the investigation continues, the community waits for answers – and justice – for the three children whose lives were cut short in such heartbreaking circumstances.

Police Launch Investigation as Three Children Die at Anambra Native Doctor’s Residence