The Nasarawa State Police Command has begun a full investigation into the tragic death of five children who were found lifeless inside an abandoned vehicle in Agyaragu community, Obi Local Government Area of the state.
The children, aged between six and ten, were discovered on Sunday evening locked inside a disused vehicle parked in the compound of one Mr. Abu Agyeme. A resident, Mr. Ozimna Ogbor, reported the incident to the police around 5:30 p.m.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, police officers who arrived at the scene quickly took the victims to Aro Hospital in Agyaragu. Sadly, they were confirmed dead on arrival by a doctor, with early signs pointing to suffocation caused by heat.
The Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and offered his condolences to the grieving families. He also ordered a thorough investigation to uncover the exact circumstances that led to the deaths.
“This is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers posed by abandoned vehicles, especially during hot weather,” said Nansel. He added that the children’s bodies had severe heat burns and were released to their families for burial upon request.
The Police Command urged parents, guardians, and vehicle owners to be extra vigilant and ensure that children do not enter or get trapped in parked or unserviceable vehicles.
This latest tragedy brings back painful memories of a similar incident that occurred in the state in August 2019, where children also lost their lives in comparable conditions.
