In Minna, the capital of Niger State, tragedy struck as five children from three families suffocated to death after accidentally locking themselves inside a parked car for five hours.
The heart-wrenching incident unfolded in the Gurara Albishir area (Area 1) along Bida Road on Sunday, April 21, 2024. The children had been playing in a spacious compound when they inadvertently locked themselves inside an abandoned Honda Civic, unused for two years by its owner.
According to reports from the Leadership, the children unintentionally trapped themselves around 11 am, unbeknownst to their parents. Frantic searches ensued, only for their lifeless bodies to be discovered inside the car around 4 pm.
Among the victims were three siblings, the only children of their parents, along with two other children, including the owner of the car. The tragic incident claimed the lives of Zahra (10), Aisha (7), Fati (5), and Isah (7).
Aminu Ladan, chairman of Chanchaga local government area, who resides near the area, expressed his condolences to the grieving families, describing the event as unfortunate after visiting the scene.
Confirming the incident, State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed that the matter was reported at Kpakungu Division. The children were found suffocated inside the Honda Civic at Albishiri area. Abiodun stated that the owner of the vehicle had been summoned for questioning, with investigations ongoing.
