Tragedy struck in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State as the Police Command confirmed the sudden and unnatural death of three young children discovered inside a parked vehicle.
The victims identified as Anwar Baba Zannah (3 years), Mama Baba Zannah (1 year, 5 months) and Ahmed Muhammad (5 years), were reported missing on September 23, 2025, by their parents, Baba Zannah Jaridama and his neighbour, Muhammad Bukar.
Two of the children were Jaridama’s biological children, while the third belonged to his neighbour.
Initial speculation circulated online suggested foul play, with some unconfirmed reports linking the deaths to Jaridama’s alleged criticism of unnamed politicians on social media.
Others believed the children may have wandered into the vehicle while playing and tragically suffocated after getting trapped.
In an official statement on Friday, Borno Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Keneth Daso, clarified that the children’s bodies were discovered the following morning, September 24, inside a parked Honda Civic belonging to Jaridama.
Police officers promptly responded and evacuated the victims to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), where medical personnel confirmed their deaths.
The bodies have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, has ordered a thorough investigation to uncover the true circumstances behind the heartbreaking incident.
He extended condolences to the grieving families and urged the public to remain calm as the investigation continues.
“The Command reassures the public of a transparent process and encourages citizens to share credible information that could aid ongoing investigations,” Daso stated.
