The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, has ordered a thorough investigation into the tragic death of five children in the Agyaragu community of Obi Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ramhan Nansel, the children were found lifeless inside an abandoned, unserviceable vehicle parked at the residence of one Mr. Abu Agyeme.
The commissioner expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He also called on parents, guardians, and vehicle owners to be vigilant and ensure that children are not allowed access to parked or abandoned vehicles without supervision.
Nansel stated that the police received a distress report at about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday from one Ozimna Ogbor, a resident of the area. The report indicated that the children, aged between six and 10 years, were discovered unresponsive inside the disused vehicle.
“Upon arrival at the scene, police officers found the victims locked inside the abandoned vehicle. They were immediately evacuated to Aro Hospital, Agyaragu, where a medical doctor confirmed them dead on arrival due to suspected suffocation,” the statement read.
He added that the children’s bodies showed signs of severe heat burns, and following a formal request from the families, the remains were released for burial.
The police noted the similarity of this tragedy to a previous incident in August 2019 and urged the public to take preventive measures to avoid a recurrence.
