Death, Mystery as Three Children Die in Ideani Prayer House, Police Launch Investigation
By Chibuzo Obidike
The Anambra State Police Command has launched an investigation into the death of three children at a prayer house in Ideani, Idemili North Local Government Area, while a fourth child is receiving treatment in hospital.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, has thrown the community into mourning, with the operator of the prayer house, a woman who reportedly presented herself as a Christian minister, now in police custody.
According to the President General of Ideani Community and Secretary of Idemili North Local Government, Hon. Engr. Paul Okoye, the alarm was raised after community leaders received information that four children had spent the night in the woman’s residence under unclear circumstances. He said he immediately alerted the Divisional Police Officer at Ogidi and the Mayor of Idemili North, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka, who mobilised security personnel to the scene.
On arrival, security operatives reportedly found three of the children dead, while the fourth was rescued in critical condition and rushed to a hospital for medical attention. The bodies of the deceased were later evacuated to a morgue for autopsy.
Community leaders said the suspect had been known to operate a Christian prayer ministry and also ran piggery and poultry businesses within the same premises. During a search of the property, some items described by community leaders as fetish objects were allegedly recovered. However, the police have yet to officially confirm the nature or relevance of the recovered items as investigations continue.
The incident sparked outrage among residents, with some youths attempting to attack the property before they were calmed by community leaders and security personnel. Authorities appealed to residents to remain peaceful and allow the law to take its course.
The police have not filed any formal charges against the suspect, stressing that investigations are ongoing. They are expected to rely on forensic examinations, witness accounts and the testimony of the surviving child if the child recovers.
The tragic incident has raised fresh concerns about child safety and unregulated religious centres, with residents calling for a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
