Tragedy: Five Children Found Dead in Abandoned Car

In a devastating incident that has left the Agyaragu community in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State in mourning, five children were found dead inside an abandoned, non-functional vehicle on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The children—Kamsi Onah (8), Somer Onah (6), Unice Udouchi (10), Nmasoma Nnaji (10), and Chioma Nnaji (8)—are believed to have died of suffocation after being trapped inside the vehicle around 3:00 pm.

According to Comrade Samuel Akala, Publicity Secretary of the Migili Youth Association (MYA), some of the victims died on the spot, while others were pronounced dead at Aro Hospital in Agyaragu. The police were promptly notified, and the bodies have since been deposited at a mortuary in Lafia, the state capital.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Nasarawa State Police Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, said the case was officially reported by a resident, Mr. Ozimna Ogbor. The vehicle was located in the compound of one Mr. Abu Agyeme, also a resident of Agyaragu. Acting on the report, Commissioner of Police CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed directed officers from the Agyaragu Divisional Headquarters to the scene. On arrival, the children were found unresponsive and later confirmed dead at the hospital due to suspected suffocation.

SP Nansel described the case as a tragic echo of a similar incident in August 2019, when two children died under comparable circumstances in Keffi. The Commissioner of Police has ordered a full investigation into the current case and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He also issued a warning to parents, guardians, and vehicle owners to ensure that children do not have access to abandoned vehicles, especially during the hot season.

Due to the severe heat burns on the victims’ bodies, the police released the remains to their families upon request for burial.