The Rivers State Police Command has launched a full investigation into the sudden death of six members of a family in Ogale, Eleme Local Government Area.
According to police reports, Godwin Ogosu alerted authorities on 11 January, 2026, after discovering that his elder brother, his brother’s wife, and their four children had not woken up from sleep. The family members were reportedly in a locked room when the incident occurred.
Responding swiftly, officers from the Eleme Division forced entry into the room, where they found the six individuals lifeless.
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The deceased have been identified as Theophilus Obele, 49; Eunice Obele, 35; Saka Obele, 18; Peace Obele, 14; Nyimenka Obele, 7; and Abel Nwaka, 25.
However, preliminary investigations suggest that inhalation of generator fumes may have been responsible for the deaths. The generator was reportedly left running in the parlour overnight.
The bodies were taken to Last Home Mortuary in Ebubu for autopsy, while police continue to gather evidence and photograph the scene as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has directed a thorough investigation and urged residents to exercise caution when using generators. He emphasised that generators should always be operated in well-ventilated outdoor areas, away from doors, windows, or any enclosed space, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Police Command extended condolences to the family and called on residents to prioritise safety when using electricity-generating equipment.
