Three children have been found dead inside the residence of a female native doctor in Umuduba village, Ideani Community, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The children, believed to be between six and 15 years old, were discovered unconscious at the home of the woman popularly known in the area as an Ezenwanyi.
A fourth child was rescued alive following the intervention of the President-General of Ideani Community, Chief Paul Okoye, who accompanied the Divisional Police Officer of Ogidi Division to the scene. The survivor was taken to a hospital, where she is receiving medical attention.
The female native doctor was later taken into police custody after security operatives arrived at the scene alongside the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Stanley Nkwoka.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, by its spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Tochukwu Ikenga.
Ikenga said the command had launched a full-scale investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the children and confirmed that the suspect was being held in connection with the incident.
According to the police, officers from the Ogidi Police Station responded to information about the incident and immediately moved the victims to a hospital for emergency treatment.
“Regrettably, three of the children were certified dead by medical doctors, while the fourth victim is currently receiving treatment in a critical condition,” the statement said.
The command added that the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) would take over the case and conduct a thorough investigation using intelligence-led and evidence-based procedures.
Police officials said the testimony of the surviving child, subject to recovery and medical clearance, would be important in helping investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The bodies of the deceased children have been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The police expressed condolences to the families of the victims and sympathised with residents of Ideani Community over the tragedy.
The command appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and allow investigators to complete their work. It added that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
