The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, has initiated a detailed investigation into the tragic death of five children in the Agyaragu community, located within the Obi Local Government Area.
The directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday in Lafia by the State Police Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel.
According to the PPRO, the lifeless bodies of the children were discovered in an abandoned and non-functional vehicle parked within the premises of one Mr. Abu Agyeme.
The police commissioner expressed his profound sorrow over the devastating loss and emphasized that a comprehensive probe would be carried out to uncover the circumstances that led to the incident.
”He expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended the command’s heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
”He also cautioned parents, guardians, and vehicle owners to be vigilant and ensure that children do not gain access to parked or abandoned vehicles without supervision,” he said.
The incident came to the attention of the police around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, when a local resident, Mr. Ozimna Ogbor, reported that several children were found unconscious inside an idle vehicle in a residential compound.
Mr. Ogbor informed the authorities that the children, aged between six and ten, were discovered unresponsive in the unused car.
“Upon arrival, the officers found the victims locked inside the abandoned vehicle.
“They were promptly evacuated to Aro Hospital, Agyaragu, where a medical doctor regrettably confirmed all of them dead due to suspected suffocation.
“This heartbreaking incident is a painful reminder of a similar tragedy that occurred in August 2019,” Nansel added.
“Due to severe heat burns on the deceased bodies, the remains were released to their parents based on a request for burial,” he said.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by unattended vehicles, especially in extreme heat, and highlights the importance of constant supervision and vigilance.
