Tragedy struck the Agyaragu community in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Sunday, May 4, 2025, as five children died from suffocation after becoming trapped inside an abandoned vehicle.
The victims, identified as Kamsi Onah (8), Somer Onah (6), Unice Udouchi (10), Nmasoma Nnaji (10), and Chioma Nnaji (8), were discovered unresponsive in a disused car parked in the compound of a resident, Mr. Abu Agyeme. The incident occurred around 3:00 pm and has thrown the community into mourning.
According to the Publicity Secretary of the Migili Youth Association, Comrade Samuel Akala, some of the children were already dead when found, while others were confirmed dead at Aroh Hospital, Agyaragu. Their remains have since been transferred to Lafia, the state capital.
State Police spokesperson SP Ramhan Nansel confirmed the incident in a statement, revealing that the case was reported by one Mr. Ozimna Ogbor. Acting on the directive of Commissioner of Police CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, officers from the Agyaragu Division responded promptly and found the children locked inside the abandoned vehicle.
Medical examination confirmed all five children had died of suspected suffocation. The police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
“This heartbreaking event brings to mind a similar tragedy in Keffi in August 2019, where two children also died in an abandoned vehicle,” Nansel stated.
CP Mohammed expressed his condolences to the grieving families and urged parents, guardians, and vehicle owners to take greater precautions to prevent such avoidable tragedies. He also warned against leaving unused vehicles accessible to children, especially during hot weather conditions.
Due to severe heat-related burns, the children’s bodies were released to their families for burial upon request.