A heartbreaking incident on Sunday claimed the lives of five children in the Agyaragu community of Obi Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
The children, aged between six and ten, reportedly died of suffocation inside an old car parked within a residential compound in the area.
Samuel Akala, a resident and Publicity Secretary of the Migili Youth Association, confirmed the tragic event to our correspondent in Lafia.
According to Akala, the incident occurred around 3:00 p.m., plunging the community into mourning.
He revealed that some of the children passed away at the scene, while others were pronounced dead at Aro Hospital in Agyaragu. The matter has been reported to the police at Duglu Trailer Park.
Our correspondent further learned that the children’s remains have been deposited at a mortuary in Lafia, the state capital.
In a statement, the Nasarawa State Police Command also confirmed the incident.
Police spokesperson SP Ramhan Nansel announced that the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the tragedy.
The statement reads: “The Nasarawa State Police Command has launched a full investigation into the unfortunate deaths of five children who were found lifeless inside an abandoned, unserviceable vehicle in the Agyaragu community of Obi Local Government Area.
“On May 4, 2025, at about 17:30 hrs, 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.
“Acting swiftly on the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, directed the Divisional Police Officer and his team to proceed immediately 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 dead due to suspected suffocation.”
The PPRO explained that the heartbreaking incident was a painful reminder of a similar tragedy in August 2019, when two children lost their lives in an abandoned vehicle in the Keffi LGA of the state.
While expressing deep sorrow over the loss and offering his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Nansel reiterated that the Commissioner of Police is determined to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
He also used the opportunity to caution parents, guardians, and vehicle owners to remain vigilant and ensure that children do not gain access to parked or abandoned vehicles without supervision.