The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that a female suspect is in custody following the discovery of four unconscious children at a residential building in Umuoduba Village, Ideani, in Idemili North Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said officers attached to the Ogidi Police Division responded immediately after receiving reports of the incident on August 5, 2026.
The victims were rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment. However, three of the children were confirmed dead by doctors, while the fourth remains in critical condition and is receiving medical care.
The Police Command said the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has taken over the case and will conduct a comprehensive, intelligence-driven and evidence-based investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the statement, investigators hope the surviving child will be able to provide vital information once medically cleared, which could help establish what happened and support the ongoing investigation.
The bodies of the three deceased children have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The Command expressed condolences to the bereaved families and the Ideani community, describing the incident as deeply saddening. It also urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and allow investigators to complete their work.
Police said further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
