Three children have been found dead at the residence of a female native doctor, popularly known as “Ezenwanyi,” in Umuoduba Village, Ideani, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

A fourth child, who was discovered unconscious alongside the others, was rescued and rushed to a hospital, where the police said the victim remains in critical condition.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, has thrown the community into shock, with residents struggling to understand the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Residents said four children, believed to be between six and 15 years old, were found unconscious within the woman’s residential compound. While three were confirmed dead, the fourth child, who was still breathing, was taken to hospital by residents before emergency responders arrived.

The identities of the children and how they ended up at the premises were yet to be established as of the time of filing this report.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the woman, who keeps livestock including pigs and poultry birds within the compound, was subsequently taken into custody by operatives of the Ogidi Divisional Police Headquarters in collaboration with community leaders.

“The four children were found unconscious in the woman’s compound. Three were already lifeless when they were discovered, while the fourth child was still breathing and was rushed to the hospital. The incident has left everyone in the community in shock,” the resident said.

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.

He said, “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.

“Upon receipt of the information, the rescue team led by police operatives attached to Ogidi Police Station rushed the victims immediately to a hospital for emergency medical attention.

“Regrettably, three of the children were certified dead by medical doctors, while the fourth victim is currently receiving treatment in a critical condition.

“A female suspect is currently in police custody in connection with the incident, while the State Criminal Investigation Department shall take over the case and conduct a thorough, professional, intelligence-driven and evidence-based investigation.”

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.

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.