The Anambra State Police Command has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the discovery of four unconscious children in Ideani Community, Idemili South Local Government Area, with three of the children subsequently confirmed dead.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, who disclosed this during his maiden press briefing, said the children, aged six, nine, 12 and 15, were found unconscious and rushed for medical attention.
According to him, despite efforts by medical personnel to save their lives, three of the children were pronounced dead, while the fourth remains in intensive medical care.
The Commissioner expressed deep concern over the incident and assured residents that the Command would investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths with the highest level of professionalism.
He also announced that the Police Command would bear the full medical expenses of the surviving child and closely monitor the child’s treatment and recovery.
“Our immediate priority is to see the child recover out of respect for the sanctity of human life,” he said.
The Commissioner said the incident underscored the need for the Command to strengthen its security strategies and operational capabilities across the state.
He disclosed plans to improve intelligence gathering, expand intelligence-led and technology-driven policing, enhance operational efficiency and intensify proactive crime prevention measures.
He also pledged to deepen community policing and strengthen collaboration with sister security agencies, organised vigilante groups and other stakeholders in the state.
According to him, the objective is to make Anambra safer and more secure for residents, visitors and businesses.
The Commissioner appealed to the media to remain responsible partners in the fight against crime, urging journalists to ensure that reports on security matters are factual, balanced and guided by public safety.
He further called on residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to the Police and other security agencies.
He urged members of the public to report suspicious persons, activities and incidents to the nearest police station or through designated emergency channels.
The Commissioner said the Command would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with integrity, fairness, professionalism and respect for the rule of law.
He commended the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies and residents of Anambra for their cooperation in maintaining peace and security.
He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for entrusting him with the leadership of the Anambra Command, as well as the Anambra State Government under Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for its support for security agencies.
The Commissioner urged Ndi Anambra to remain law-abiding and security-conscious, stressing that collective responsibility and cooperation between citizens and security agencies were essential to building a safer state.
