By Joe Udo
PORT HARCOURT (CONVERSEER) – Six family members have been found dead in their residence at Ogale Eleme community in Eleme Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.
The police have attributed the incident to a suspected case of generator fume poisoning.
According to The Whistler, the incident was discovered on Sunday at about 3:00 PM after police operatives forced open the door of the apartment, which had remained locked since the occupants went to sleep the previous night.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said preliminary investigations pointed to possible carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator allegedly left running inside the house.
According to her, the incident was reported by a family member, identified as one Godwin Ogosu of Ogale Eleme, who raised a distress call after his elder brother, wife and children failed to wake up, with the doors still locked.
“Operatives of the Command mobilised to the scene and forced open the door, where they discovered the lifeless bodies of the occupants,” Iringe-Koko said.
The deceased were identified as Theophilus Obele (49), his wife Eunice Obele (35), their children, Saka Obele (18), Peace Obele (14), Nyimenka Obele (7), and Abel Nwaka (25).
“Preliminary investigation suggests possible generator fume poisoning as the cause of death. The generator was reportedly left on in the parlour of the victims,” the police spokesperson stated.
She disclosed that the bodies have been deposited at Last Home Mortuary, Ebubu Eleme, for autopsy, while photographic evidence from the scene has been documented.
Investigations, she added, have commenced to fully ascertain the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Iringe-Koko further revealed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
She also issued a safety advisory to residents, warning against the indoor use of generators.
“The Commissioner of Police advised residents that when using generators, they should always be placed in well-ventilated outdoor areas, away from doors, windows, and vents, rather than in parlours, garages, or partially enclosed spaces, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning,” she said.
The Rivers State Police Command extended its condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased.
