Tragedy struck in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Thursday when three missing children were discovered dead inside the boot of their father’s car, days after a desperate search launched by their families.
The victims were identified as the two children of Zannah Jaridama, a resident of Maiduguri, and the child of his neighbour. Their lifeless bodies were found in the boot of one of Jaridama’s old vehicles parked within his compound.
The Borno State Commissioner of Police, Nazir Abdulmajid, confirmed the incident, noting that operatives were immediately deployed to the scene and evidence was documented.
He said the corpses had been taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for an autopsy to determine whether the children were victims of foul play or suffocated after being accidentally locked in the car.
“For now, we cannot say exactly what transpired. We have not established any political connection, but the autopsy will provide proof,” Abdulmajid said.
Jaridama had earlier taken to social media to raise alarm over the disappearance of his children, pleading for prayers and help. In another emotional post, he offered to surrender himself in exchange for their safety.
“It is me they are after, not my children. Please, for God’s sake, spare their lives. I am ready to give myself up, even to death, so that these innocent children can continue to live,” he wrote.
The disappearance occurred less than 24 hours after Jaridama released a viral video accusing some political figures within Governor Babagana Zulum’s circle of hypocrisy and sabotage.
He alleged that while they publicly posed as loyalists, they privately undermined the administration while enriching themselves through contracts and positions.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing.