The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a couple in connection with the tragic discovery of the lifeless bodies of their newborn twin infants, which were allegedly dumped in a drainage channel in the Okpoko area of Ogbaru Local Government Area.
The shocking incident, which occurred on Sunday, June 21, has generated widespread outrage and sadness among residents of the community, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the children.
According to the Police Command, operatives attached to the Okpoko Divisional Police Headquarters launched an immediate investigation after receiving credible information from concerned residents who reported the discovery of the infants’ bodies abandoned inside a drainage along Cooperative Street, Nwokedi, Okpoko.
Acting promptly on the distress report, police officers were dispatched to the scene, where they secured the area and commenced preliminary investigations. Investigators also collected relevant evidence believed to be crucial in determining the events that led to the deaths of the infants and their subsequent abandonment.
The police said intelligence gathered during the preliminary investigation enabled detectives to swiftly trace and arrest the biological parents of the deceased twins.
The couple is currently in police custody, where they are assisting investigators with information expected to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the suspects, pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
Although police have yet to establish the exact cause of the infants’ deaths, investigators are working to determine whether the babies were stillborn, died shortly after birth, or were victims of any criminal act before their bodies were discarded.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the incident in strong terms, describing it as both disturbing and unacceptable.
He stressed that every child, regardless of the circumstances of birth, has an inalienable right to life, protection, care and dignity, noting that society has a collective responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children.
According to the Commissioner, the command remains fully committed to ensuring that justice is served and that anyone found culpable in connection with the incident is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He assured residents that investigators would conduct a comprehensive and professional investigation to establish all the facts surrounding the case.
“The Command will leave no stone unturned in uncovering the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident. Every child deserves protection and the opportunity to live, and anyone responsible for violating those rights will face the full weight of the law,” the Commissioner stated.
The tragic discovery has continued to provoke emotional reactions across the state, with residents expressing shock over the alleged abandonment of the newborn twins.
Community leaders and child rights advocates have also called for increased public awareness on maternal health, mental health support, family counselling and child protection mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
They urged individuals experiencing unwanted pregnancies, financial hardship or emotional distress to seek assistance from relevant government agencies, healthcare providers, religious organisations and social welfare institutions rather than resort to actions that endanger the lives of children.
The incident has also renewed discussions on the need to strengthen child protection systems and improve access to social support services for vulnerable families across the country.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command reiterated that investigations remain ongoing and assured members of the public that further updates would be communicated as more facts emerge.
The command also appealed to residents to continue providing credible information that could assist law enforcement agencies in their efforts to ensure justice and uphold the rights of every child in the state.
