Police Probe Death Of 6 Family Members In Rivers

Rivers State Police Command has launched an investigation into the mysterious death of six people in one night at Ogale Community in Eleme local government area.

The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, gave the names of the victims as Theophilus Obele, a 49-year-old male, and Eunice Obele, a 35-year-old fmale.

Others are Saka Obele, male, 18 years; Peace Obele, female, 14 years; Nyimenka Obele, male, 7 years; and Abel Nwaka, male, 25 years.

Iringe-Koko stated that preliminary investigation suggested possible generator fume poisoning as the cause of death, adding that the generator was reportedly left on in the parlour of the victims.

The statement reads in part: “The Rivers State Police Command is deeply saddened by investigating a tragic incident that occurred on January 11, 2026, at about 1500hrs, in Ogale Eleme, where six members of a family were found dead in a locked room.

“One Godwin Ogosu ‘m of Ogale, Eleme, through a distress call, reported that his elder brother, wife and children, who slept in the previous night, have not woken up from sleep with the doors still locked.

“In a swift response, Operatives of the Command attached to the Eleme Division, mobilised to the scene, and forced open the doors to the room and discovered their lifeless bodies. The victims, identified as:

“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 corpses have been deposited at Last Home Mortuary, Ebubu Eleme, for autopsy. Photographic evidence has been taken, and the investigation is ongoing.

“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has directed a thorough investigation into the incident.

“He further advised residents that when using a generator, always place it in a well-ventilated outdoor area, away from doors, windows and vents, rather than in parlours, garages, sheds, or partially enclosed spaces, as this is crucial to prevent carbon monoxide. Prioritise your safety and those around you.”