A devastating tragedy struck Agyaragu community in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Sunday, as five children suffocated to death inside an abandoned vehicle.
The victims, aged between 6 and 10 years, were reportedly playing in an old, disused car parked in an uninhabited residential compound when they became trapped and suffocated due to lack of ventilation.
Confirming the incident to our correspondent on Monday, the Publicity Secretary of the Migili Youth Association and a resident of the area, Samuel Akala, said the community was thrown into deep mourning and confusion following the heartbreaking discovery around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.
According to Akala, some of the children died at the scene, while others were pronounced dead at Aroh Hospital, Agyaragu, where they were rushed for medical attention. The matter has since been reported to the police at the Duglu Trailer Park Division.
Spokesman of the Nasarawa State Police Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, also confirmed the tragedy in a statement issued on Monday, stating that a thorough investigation has been launched under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed.
The statement read:
“On May 4, 2025, at about 5:30 p.m., one Mr. Ozimna Ogbor of Agyaragu reported that five children—Kamsi Onah (8), Somer Onah (6), Unice Udouchi (10), Nmasoma Nnaji (10), and Chioma Nnaji (8)—were found unconscious inside an abandoned vehicle in the compound of one Mr. Abu Agyeme. Officers rushed to the scene and evacuated the victims to Aroh Hospital, where they were confirmed dead by a doctor due to suspected suffocation.”
The police also recalled a similar incident in August 2019 in Keffi LGA, where two children died in the same manner. CP Mohammed has expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved families and promised a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the latest incident.
Meanwhile, parents, guardians, and vehicle owners have been urged to remain vigilant and ensure children do not have unsupervised access to parked or abandoned vehicles.
