How my three children suffocated, died in my husband’s borrowed car – Kwara woman groans
Shade Silifat Abdulkadir, the grieving mother of the three children who tragically suffocated to death in a parked car in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, has bravely spoken out about the heart-wrenching incident.
In an emotional interview with journalists, 37-year-old Shade appealed for assistance from fellow Nigerians as she recounted the final moments of her beloved children. The first child, 10-year-old Maryam, the second, 8-year-old Nudrah, and the youngest, 2-year-old Mohammed, all lost their lives after suffocating in the car parked at their residence.
It was revealed that the vehicle had been borrowed by their father from his elder brother. Shade, speaking from her family home in Ile Magaji, Taiwo Isale, Ilorin, pleaded with mothers everywhere to support her in this difficult time.
Recalling the tragic event, Shade tearfully recounted, “It happened on Sunday, just minutes before 2:00 pm, shortly after I finished cooking rice for them. It was my second daughter, Nudrah, who expressed her desire for spaghetti instead of rice for the following day's school lunch.”
Shade, who operates a shop selling provisions and other items, explained, “I had some money in the shop and N700 in my Opay account, but only had N200 in cash. I reside at No. 8 Boluke area in the Zango-Kulende area of Ilorin. Typically, it costs me N200 for transportation. So, I assured my children that if the money I had wasn't enough to buy what they wanted, I could borrow from someone until I could restock on Monday. Leaving them briefly at home was not uncommon.”
She continued, “My marital struggles have been ongoing for the past 11 years. My husband has been involved with another woman named Kafayat from Oke-Ode. Despite these challenges, I've always tried to maintain peace for the sake of my children.”
Shade revealed her husband's infidelity and the recent birth of his second child with Kafayat, which further strained their relationship. She expressed, “My husband's behavior towards me changed drastically after I visited Kafayat's new residence. Despite this, I've been advised by family and friends to remain patient.”
Describing the day of the tragedy, Shade shared, “On Saturday, after attending a naming ceremony, my husband brought home the car borrowed from his brother, which we used for various errands. Little did I know that this decision would lead to such a devastating outcome.”
Shade's voice trembled with anguish as she recounted discovering her children in the car. “Upon returning from the shop with the noodles, I found the room in disarray and the door ajar. I assumed they were playing nearby until I realized they were missing. After a frantic search, I found them inside the parked car, unresponsive.”
Despite her efforts and the assistance of neighbors, all three children could not be revived. Shade expressed her deep sorrow, “Since the incident, I have not seen their father. He has reached out, but my grief is overwhelming.”
As investigations continue into this tragic event, Shade finds solace in her faith and the support of her community, stating, “I draw strength from Allah and the caring individuals who surround me during this trying time.”
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