Police begins investigation into death of five children in abandoned vehicle

The Nasarawa State Police Command has launched a full investigation into the tragic death of five children whose bodies were discovered inside an abandoned vehicle in the Agyaragu community, Obi Local Government Area.

The state Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, has ordered a thorough probe to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred on Sunday evening.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ramhan Nansel, said the lifeless bodies of the children, aged between six and 10 years, were found locked inside an unserviceable vehicle parked at the residence of one Mr. Abu Agyeme.

According to Nansel, the police received a distress report from a local resident, Mr. Ozimna Ogbor, around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Officers who arrived at the scene found the children unresponsive inside the disused vehicle and rushed them to Aro Hospital, Agyaragu. Sadly, a medical doctor confirmed all five children had died, with suspected suffocation as the cause.

“The Commissioner of Police expressed deep sorrow over the loss of these innocent lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving families,” Nansel stated.

He noted that the children’s bodies showed signs of severe heat burns, reinforcing the suspicion of death by suffocation in extreme heat. At the request of their families, the remains were released for burial.

The police command used the opportunity to issue a cautionary message to parents, guardians, and vehicle owners. “We urge everyone to remain vigilant and ensure children do not gain access to parked or abandoned vehicles without adult supervision,” the PPRO added.

Nansel also recalled a similar incident that took place in August 2019, underscoring the need for stronger community awareness and preventive measures.

Investigations are ongoing to determine how the children accessed the vehicle and whether negligence played a role in the tragedy.

Police begins investigation into death of five children in abandoned vehicle