Three children were discovered dead inside the compound of a female native doctor known as 'Ezenwanyi' in Umuoduba Village, Ideani, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, August 6, 2026, leaving the community in shock.
Fourth Child Hospitalised in Critical Condition
A fourth child found at the same location was still breathing when residents discovered the group. Locals rushed the child to a hospital before emergency responders arrived. The state police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the fourth victim remains on admission in critical condition.
The four children are believed to be between six and 15 years old. Their identities and how they came to be inside the woman's compound have not yet been established. The suspect, who keeps pigs and poultry birds on her property, was arrested by operatives from the Ogidi Divisional Police Headquarters, working alongside community leaders.
Community in Shock as Details Emerge
A resident who spoke anonymously described the scene: "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."
Videos circulating on social media showed the Divisional Police Officer of the Ogidi Division visiting the premises with community leaders, local security personnel, and the President-General of Ideani Community. In the footage, the suspect can be seen guiding security operatives through different parts of the compound, including shrines and living areas, as onlookers watched from outside.
Police Confirm Arrest and Investigation
SP Ikenga disclosed that officers attached to Ogidi Division responded after receiving a distress call and immediately transported the children to a hospital, where doctors certified three of them dead. "Regrettably, three of the children were certified dead by medical doctors, while the fourth victim is currently receiving treatment in a critical condition," he said.
The female suspect is currently in police custody. The case has been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough, professional, intelligence-driven, and evidence-based investigation. The police spokesperson added that investigators hope the surviving child, once medically cleared, will provide an account that sheds light on what happened.
Bodies Deposited in Mortuary; Community Urged to Remain Calm
Ikenga confirmed that the bodies of the three deceased children have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy. He called on Ideani community members to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and allow the investigation to proceed. The command will issue further updates as the probe advances.
This incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of traditional medicine practices in Nigeria. In a related case, an Anambra High Court in Awka recently convicted native doctor Onyebuchi Okocha, known as 'Onyeze Jesus,' on one of three charges filed against him. Justice Jude Obiora found Okocha guilty of misleading the public by claiming supernatural powers could make people wealthy through unlawful spiritual practices. Before sentencing, Okocha wept in the dock and appealed for leniency, citing his detained family and three widows who depended on him.
Context of Traditional Medicine in Nigeria
The arrest of the female native doctor highlights ongoing tensions between traditional healing practices and the law. In another recent case, native doctor Eke Hit told a court how Agunechemba operatives invaded his home and allegedly took valuables during his arrest operation. He denied allegations of 'Oke Ite' ritual practices and insisted he operated as a registered herbalist with certification. Court proceedings, however, show conflicting claims between the prosecution's evidence and the defence statements.
As the investigation unfolds, the community of Ideani remains on edge, mourning the loss of three young lives and hoping for the recovery of the fourth child. The police have assured the public that they are committed to uncovering the truth behind this tragic event.
