The Nasarawa State Police Command has launched an investigation into the tragic death of five children who were found lifeless inside an abandoned vehicle in the Agyaragu community, Obi Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday in Lafia. According to the statement, the children were discovered unresponsive inside an unserviceable vehicle parked at the residence of one Mr. Abu Agyeme.
Nansel stated that the incident was reported to the police around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday by a resident, Mr. Ozimna Ogbor. The children, all aged between six and ten, were believed to have entered the abandoned car unnoticed and were later found locked inside.
Police officers who arrived at the scene evacuated the victims to Aro Hospital, Agyaragu, where a medical doctor confirmed them dead, with suffocation suspected as the cause.
The state Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, has ordered a full investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragic event. He also extended his condolences to the affected families and urged parents, guardians, and vehicle owners to be extra vigilant to prevent similar tragedies.
“This heartbreaking incident is a painful reminder of a similar tragedy that occurred in August 2019,” Nansel added, noting that the victims’ bodies had severe heat burns. The remains were released to their families for burial upon request.
The police have reiterated the importance of supervising children and securing unused or abandoned vehicles, especially during hot weather conditions.
