Tragedy struck on Sunday in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, after the lifeless bodies of twin babies were discovered in a drainage channel along Cooperative Street, Nwokedi area.
The infants were reportedly found wrapped inside a box with baby clothing by residents who passed by in the early hours of the day. Shocked residents immediately alerted operatives of the Okpoko Police Division.
A resident, identified simply as Uche, who was among the first to see the bodies, described the incident as shameful and called for stronger moral responsibility in society.
“This is shameful and must not be encouraged as people now engage in such act at will. How can someone in her right senses do this type of thing in this age when we have many orphanages around?” she said.
Another eyewitness said the act may have been carried out by someone who was not prepared for the responsibility of raising children, noting the growing concern over child neglect cases in the area.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the parents of the infants have been arrested and are assisting with investigations.
He said, “The Police operatives attached to Okpoko Divisional Police Headquarters, in the early hours of Sunday, June 21, 2026, received information about the discovery of two lifeless infant twins abandoned in a drainage channel along Cooperative Street, Nwokedi, Okpoko.
“Following the report, operatives immediately swung into action, secured the scene, gathered vital evidence, and commenced investigations.
“The preliminary investigation led to the identification and arrest of the biological parents of the infants, who are currently in police custody and assisting investigators in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
He added that the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the act in strong terms.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the act in strong terms, noting that every child deserves protection, care, and the opportunity to live.
“He reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring that anyone found culpable in the incident faces the full weight of the law.
“Investigation into the matter is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated in due course.”
Police authorities said investigation is still ongoing to determine the full circumstances behind the abandonment and death of the infants.
