Five Children Suffocate Inside Abandoned Vehicle

 

A tragic cloud of grief hangs heavy over Agyaragu community in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where five young children lost their lives after becoming trapped inside an abandoned car on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

What began as a typical afternoon of innocent play around 3 p.m. turned into an unthinkable nightmare when the children believed to be playing hide-and-seek accidentally locked themselves inside a derelict vehicle parked in the compound of a resident. The car, unserviceable and long forgotten, became a silent death trap.

The young victims have been identified as: Kamsi Onah (male, 8 years), Somer Onah (male, 6 years), Unice Udouchi (female, 10 years), Nmasoma Nnaji (female, 10 years) and Chioma Nnaji (female, 8 years).

Some of the children were discovered unresponsive at the scene, while others were rushed to Aroh Hospital, where doctors sadly confirmed they had all passed due to suspected suffocation caused by extreme heat and lack of ventilation in the vehicle.

Speaking on behalf of the Migili Youth Association, Comrade Samuel Akala confirmed the devastating news, noting that the police have been formally notified and the bodies have been deposited at the mortuary in Lafia.

The Nasarawa State Police Command, in a statement by spokesperson SP Ramhan Nansel, affirmed the commencement of a full-scale investigation, following the directive of Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed.

“The CP is deeply saddened by this tragic loss,” the statement read. “He extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and urges parents, guardians, and residents to exercise caution—especially regarding abandoned vehicles which can pose hidden dangers to children.”

This devastating incident echoes a similar tragedy that occurred in 2019 in Keffi, where two children also died after being trapped in an abandoned car. Despite such painful lessons, the risk remains all too real.

Due to severe burns caused by heat exposure, the families opted to proceed with immediate burials after medical confirmation of death.

This heartbreaking event serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of environmental safety, especially in communities where disused vehicles or unsecured spaces are accessible to children.

May their young souls rest in peace.