On the afternoon of May 4, 2025, five children tragically suffocated to death inside an abandoned vehicle in the Agyaragu community of Obi Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The incident occurred around 3:00 pm, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The victims, identified as Kamsi Onah (8 years old), Somer Onah (6 years old), Unice Udouchi (10 years old), Nmasoma Nnaji (10 years old), and Chioma Nnaji (8 years old), were found inside a disused vehicle parked at the compound of a resident, Mr. Abu Agyeme. Some children died at the scene, while others were confirmed dead at Aroh Hospital in Agyaragu.
Comrade Samuel Akala, the Publicity Secretary of the Migili Youth Association, confirmed the incident and reported it to the police. The bodies were later moved to the mortuary in Lafia, the state capital. The police spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the tragic deaths and stated that a full investigation has been launched under the direction of the State Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed.
The police acted quickly upon receiving the report from Mr. Ozimna Ogbor, a resident, who discovered the children unresponsive inside the vehicle. Officers arrived at the scene and found the children locked inside. They were rushed to Aroh Hospital, where the doctor declared all five children dead, likely due to suffocation.
This heartbreaking incident recalls a similar tragedy from August 2019 when two children died in a parked vehicle in Keffi. The police commissioner expressed deep sympathy for the families and emphasized the need for increased vigilance, urging parents, guardians, and vehicle owners to keep children away from abandoned vehicles to prevent such tragedies.
The bodies were later returned to the families for burial after being released due to heat burns that had marked the deceased children.
