Shock and grief have gripped Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State after three children were discovered dead inside a parked vehicle belonging to one Mallam Zanna Jaridama. The victims included Jaridama’s two biological children and the child of his neighbour. Their lifeless bodies were recovered from a Honda Civic parked within his compound.
The incident sparked conflicting reports across social media. Some speculated that the children may have been abducted in retaliation for Jaridama’s online criticism of certain politicians. Others suggested they might have been playing inside the parked car before becoming trapped and suffocating.
In an official statement, Police Public Relations Officer ASP Kenneth Daso described the deaths as “sudden and unnatural.” He explained that on September 23, Jaridama and his neighbour, Muhammad Bukar, had reported the children missing. Despite police alerts and initial investigations, the children’s whereabouts remained unknown until the following day when their bodies were found inside the car.
Police operatives immediately moved the victims to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed them dead. Their remains have since been deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy to establish the true cause of death.
Borno State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, has ordered a discreet investigation into the tragedy, promising to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the deaths. He also extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and urged the public to remain calm while cooperating with investigators.
