Tragedy struck in Ogale Eleme community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, as six members of a family were found dead in their residence on Sunday.
The bodies were discovered at about 3:00 pm after police operatives forced open the door of the apartment following a distress call from a relative.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said preliminary findings point to possible generator fume poisoning.
She explained that the generator was allegedly left running inside the parlour while the victims went to sleep, leading to the fatal incident.
According to Iringe-Koko, the case was reported by a family member, Godwin Ogosu, who raised the alarm after his elder brother, his wife and their children failed to wake up the following morning, with the doors still locked.
She said officers from the Eleme Police Division immediately responded to the scene and forced open the door, where they found the occupants lifeless.
The deceased were identified as Theophilus Obele, 49; his wife, Eunice Obele, 35; Saka Obele, 18; Peace Obele, 14; Nyimenka Obele, 7; and Abel Nwaka, 25.
The police spokesperson noted that the bodies have been deposited at Last Home Mortuary in Ebubu Eleme for autopsy, while photographic evidence has been taken.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a thorough investigation to fully establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Iringe-Koko also used the opportunity to warn residents against the indoor use of generators, advising that they should be placed in well-ventilated outdoor spaces away from doors, windows and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Rivers State Police Command expressed its condolences to the bereaved family and members of the community.
