A tragic incident has devastated the Agyaragu community in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, claiming the lives of five children who suffocated inside an abandoned vehicle.
The victims, aged six to ten, were found unconscious in an unserviceable car parked within a residential compound.
According to Samuel Akala, the Publicity Secretary of the Migili Youth Association, the heartbreaking event occurred around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.
While some children died at the scene, others passed away at Aro Hospital in Agyaragu.
Akala confirmed the incident to reporters in Lafia, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
The Nasarawa State Police Command identified the victims as Kamsi Onah (8), Somer Onah (6), Unice Udouchi (10), Nmasoma Nnaji (10), and Chioma Nnaji (8).
SP Ramhan Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer, explained that officers discovered the children inside an abandoned car.
The vehicle was parked within Mr. Abu Agyeme’s compound when police arrived and made the shocking discovery.
Consequently, authorities responded swiftly to investigate the tragic scene. They confirmed that the children had been unresponsive, indicating potential suffocation.
Moreover, police promptly rushed them to Aro Hospital for medical attention. This discovery underscores the importance of vigilance around abandoned or unattended vehicles.
Authorities revealed that Mr. Ozimna Ogbor, a community member, reported the incident to the Agyaragu Divisional Headquarters.
Following the report, Commissioner of Police Shetima Jauro Mohammed ordered officers to the scene immediately.
Upon arrival, police found the children unresponsive and rushed them to Aro Hospital, where doctors confirmed their deaths due to suffocation.
The police have launched a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
SP Nansel expressed profound grief and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
He also recalled a similar incident in Keffi LGA in 2019, where two children died under comparable conditions.
CP Mohammed has vowed to uncover the factors that led to this preventable tragedy. Additionally, he urged parents, guardians, and vehicle owners to remain vigilant and prevent unsupervised access to parked or abandoned vehicles. The community remains in mourning as the children’s bodies have been moved to a Lafia mortuary pending further investigation.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of negligence. The Agyaragu community continues to grieve as authorities work to prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, residents demand stricter safety measures to protect children from similar accidents.
As investigations proceed, the police emphasize the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding children. The tragic loss has left families shattered, prompting calls for increased awareness on child safety. The entire state mourns as the community seeks justice and closure.
Ultimately, this preventable disaster highlights the urgent need for proactive measures. Authorities must enforce stricter regulations on abandoned vehicles, and parents must remain vigilant. The memory of these young lives will forever remind society of the cost of negligence.
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