Police to fund treatment of child rescued from Anambra native doctor

Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, during the press briefing...credit: Ikenna Obianeri

The Anambra State Police Command said it will cover the full medical expenses of the only surviving child among the four children recently rescued at a female native doctor’s house in Umuoduba Village, Ideani, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.

The newly-deployed Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, disclosed this during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Awka, on Monday, while outlining a fresh policing approach centred on intelligence, technology, community partnership and public trust.

Recall that four children aged between six and 15 years were reportedly found unconscious at the premises of the native doctor under unclear circumstances, while three were already dead; the fourth one was rescued alive and immediately rushed to a hospital by residents for medical attention.

The discovery, which occurred in the early hours of August 5, threw residents of the community into panic and mourning.

With the intervention of community leaders, security operatives visited the scene and immediately whisked away the female native doctor.

However, CP Ama expressed sadness and concern over the tragic incident, while announcing that the command will bear the full medical expenses of the surviving child.

Ama said, “Upon my assumption of duty, I received comprehensive briefings on the security situation in the state. At the outset, I wish to acknowledge and commend the dedication, professionalism and sacrifices of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, and, most importantly, the good people of Anambra State for their continued cooperation, support and partnership in our collective efforts to maintain peace, security and public safety.

“While appreciating these efforts, I must also express the deep sadness and concern of the command over the tragic incident involving the discovery of four unconscious children, aged 6, 9, 12 and 15 years, in Ideani Community.

“Regrettably, despite the strenuous efforts of medical personnel to save their lives, three of the children were certified dead. The fourth child is currently receiving intensive medical care and is courageously fighting for survival.

“Before addressing the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, I wish to announce that the Anambra State Police Command will bear the full medical expenses of the surviving child.

“We shall also closely monitor the child’s treatment and recovery to ensure that every necessary medical intervention is provided.
Our immediate priority is to see the child recover out of respect for the sanctity of human life.”

He assured the people of the state that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be investigated with the highest level of professionalism.

He vowed to undertake a comprehensive review of the state’s policing strategies and operational capabilities, pledging to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance intelligence-led and technology-driven policing, improve operational efficiency, and deepen proactive crime prevention measures across the State.

“We shall also reinforce community policing initiatives, strengthen collaboration with sister security agencies, organised vigilante groups and other critical stakeholders, and continue to build public confidence through effective partnership and engagement.

“Our objective is clear—to make Anambra State safer, more secure and more peaceful for every resident and visitor,” he added.

He urged the media to continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism by ensuring that reports are factual, balanced, responsible and guided at all times by the overriding interest of public safety and national security.

He assured all Ndi Anambra that the police shall perform its constitutional responsibilities with integrity, fairness, professionalism and respect for the rule of law, adding that the command shall remain resolute in protecting lives and property, preventing crime and maintaining public order throughout the State.