The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that a female suspect is in custody following the tragic discovery of four unconscious children at a residential building in Umuoduba Village, Ideani, in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The heartbreaking incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has thrown the community into mourning after three of the children were confirmed dead, while the fourth is receiving treatment in critical condition at a hospital.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, police operatives attached to the Ogidi Police Division, alongside a rescue team, responded swiftly after receiving a distress report and immediately evacuated the children to a medical facility for emergency treatment.
He disclosed that despite the efforts of medical personnel, three of the victims were certified dead, while the surviving child is currently battling for life under intensive medical care.
Ikenga said the Command has transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He confirmed that a female suspect is already in police custody and will assist investigators as the probe progresses.
“The State Criminal Investigation Department will carry out a thorough, professional, intelligence-driven and evidence-based investigation into the unfortunate incident,” the police spokesman stated.
He added that investigators are hopeful the surviving child, once medically stable and cleared by doctors, would provide vital information that could help unravel the mystery behind the tragedy and support ongoing investigations.
The bodies of the deceased children have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The Command expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the bereaved families and sympathising with residents of Ideani Community over the devastating loss.
Police also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information capable of hampering investigations, and allow detectives to conclude their work.
The Command assured that further details would be made available as investigations progress.
