Police Launch Investigation After Five Children Die in Abandoned Vehicle in Nasarawa

Nigerian Police

The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the tragic death of five children in the Agyaragu community, located in Obi Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement released by SP Ramhan Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), the lifeless bodies of the children were discovered inside an abandoned, unserviceable vehicle parked at the residence of one Mr. Abu Agyeme.

The incident was reported to the police on Sunday at approximately 5:30 p.m. by a resident, Mr. Ozimna Ogbor, who stated that the children, aged between six and ten years, had been found unresponsive in the disused vehicle. Upon arrival at the scene, police officers found all five victims locked inside the vehicle. The children were immediately evacuated to Aro Hospital, Agyaragu, where a medical doctor confirmed their deaths, reportedly due to suffocation.

The Commissioner of Police expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life and extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving families. He has directed investigators to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine whether negligence or foul play was involved.

He also used the occasion to urge parents, guardians, and vehicle owners to remain vigilant and ensure children are not allowed to access parked or abandoned vehicles unsupervised, stressing that such oversight can have fatal consequences.

The police noted the severity of the case and the visible signs of heat burns on the children's bodies, a tragic detail that led to the release of the remains to the families for burial based on their request. The PPRO added that the heartbreaking event serves as a painful reminder of a similar tragedy that occurred in August 2019.

The police investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to gather information and determine responsibility.