Three children have been found dead at the home of a female native doctor, popularly known as “Ezenwanyi,” in Umuoduba Village, Ideani, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
A fourth child, found unconscious with the others, was rescued and taken to a hospital. Police said the child remains in critical condition.
The incident happened early Wednesday and left residents shocked as they tried to make sense of what happened.
Residents said the four children, believed to be between six and 15 years old, were discovered unconscious inside the woman’s compound. Three were confirmed dead, while the fourth, who was still breathing, was rushed to hospital before emergency responders arrived.
The identities of the children and how they got to the property were still unknown when this report was filed.
A resident, who asked not to be named, said the woman, who keeps pigs and poultry in the compound, was arrested by officers from the Ogidi Divisional Police Headquarters with support from 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 shared on social media showed the Divisional Police Officer of the Ogidi Division, community leaders, local security personnel and the President-General of Ideani Community inspecting the compound after the incident. The footage also showed the suspect leading security operatives through different parts of the property, including shrines and living areas, as residents watched from a distance.
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the case, saying officers from the Ogidi Division responded after receiving a distress report. He said three children were confirmed dead by doctors, while the fourth remains on admission in critical condition.
Ikenga said the suspect is in police custody and that the State Criminal Investigation Department has taken over the case for a full investigation. He added that investigators hope the surviving child’s account, once medically cleared, will help explain what happened. The bodies have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while residents have been urged to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information as investigations continue.
