ICYMI: Anambra Police detain woman after three children found dead, one critical

Crime Diary

AWKA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a female suspect following the discovery of four unconscious children at a residential building in Ideani Community, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The command also expressed sadness over the incident, which resulted in the deaths of three of the children, while the fourth victim remains in critical condition at a hospital.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, police operatives attached to the Ogidi Police Division immediately responded after receiving a distress report from Umuoduba Village, Ideani.

He said a rescue team promptly evacuated the four children to a nearby hospital for emergency medical 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 Police Command confirmed that a female suspect is currently in custody in connection with the incident.

It added that the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has taken over the case and will conduct a comprehensive, intelligence-led and evidence-based investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

According to the police, investigators are hopeful that the surviving child, subject to medical recovery and clearance, will be able to provide vital information that could assist the investigation.

The command also disclosed that the bodies of the three deceased children have been deposited in a mortuary, where autopsies will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.

While extending its condolences to the bereaved families, the Police Command sympathised with the people of Ideani Community over what it described as a heartbreaking incident.

It appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and allow investigators to complete their work.

The command assured residents that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.