Five children have d!ed of suffocation inside an abandoned, unserviceable vehicle in the Agyaragu community, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The tragic incident occurred around 3:00 pm on Sunday, May 4, 2025, throwing the community into mourning.
The victims are Kamsi Onah (male, 8 years), Somer Onah (male, 6 years), Unice Udouchi (female, 10 years), Nmasoma Nnaji (female, 10 years) and Chioma Nnaji (female, 8 years).
The Publicity Secretary of the Migili Youth Association (MYA), Comrade Samuel Akala, who confirmed the incident said some of the children d!ed at the scene of the incident, while others were confirmed d3ad at Aroh Hospital, Agyaragu.
Akala added that the unfortunate incident has since been reported to the Police at the Duglu Trailer Park. The corpses have been deposited at the mortuary in Lafia, the State capital.
The spokesperson for the police in the state, SP Ramhan Nansel, who confirmed the tragic incident in a statement said the command has launched a full investigation into the tragic d3ath of the children following a directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed.
“On May 4, 2025, at about 1730hrs, one Mr. Ozimna Ogbor, a resident of Agyaragu, reported at the Agyaragu Divisional Headquarters that five children—Kamsi Onah (male, 8 years), Somer Onah (male, 6 years), Unice Udouchi (female, 10 years), Nmasoma Nnaji (female, 10 years), and Chioma Nnaji (female, 8 years)—were discovered unresponsive inside a disused vehicle parked in the compound of one Mr. Abu Agyeme, also a resident of Agyaragu,” the statement read.
“Acting swiftly on the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, directed the Divisional Police Officer and his team to immediately proceed to the scene.
“Upon arrival, the officers found the victims locked inside the abandoned vehicle. The children were promptly evacuated to Aro Hospital, Agyaragu, where a medical doctor regrettably confirmed all five children d3ad due to suspected suffocation.
“This heartbreaking incident is a painful reminder of a similar tragedy that occurred in August 2019, when two children lost their lives in an abandoned vehicle in Keffi.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
“He also used the opportunity to caution parents, guardians, and vehicle owners to be vigilant and ensure that children do not gain access to parked or abandoned vehicles without supervision.
“Due to severe heat burns on the deceased bodies, the remains were released to their parents based on request for burial.”
