Police begin probe as 5 children die inside abandoned vehicle in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa police command says it has launched an investigation into the death of five children in an abandoned vehicle.

The incident occurred in Agyaragu, Obi LGA of Nasarawa.

Ramhan Nansel, police spokesperson in the state, said the victims were found lifeless inside a disused vehicle in the compound of one Abu Agyeme. 

The victims were identified as Kamsi Onah (male, 8 years); Somer Onah (male, 6); Eunice Udouchi (female, 10); Nmasoma Nnaji (female, 10); and Chioma Nnaji (female, 8).

“On May 4, 2025, at about 1730hrs, one Mr. Ozimna Ogbor, a resident of Agyaragu, reported at the Agyaragu Divisional Headquarters that five children were discovered unresponsive inside a disused vehicle parked in the compound of one Mr. Abu Agyeme, also a resident of Agyaragu,” the statement reads.

“Acting swiftly on the report, the commissioner of police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, directed the divisional police officer and his team to immediately proceed to the scene.”

Nansel noted that the operatives took the children to the nearest hospital where they were confirmed dead.

Shetima Mohammed, the police commissioner in the state, commiserated with the families of the deceased while urging parents and guardians to be vigilant and ensure that children do not gain access to abandoned vehicles without supervision.

“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,” Nansel said.

“This heartbreaking incident is a painful reminder of a similar tragedy that occurred in August 2019, when two children lost their lives in an abandoned vehicle in Keffi.

“The commissioner of police has ordered a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“He expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

“Due to severe heat burns on the deceased bodies, the remains were released to their parents based on request for burial.”