The Rivers State Police Command has commenced a full investigation into the death of six members of the same household who were found lifeless in their residence at Ogale, Eleme Local Government Area of the state.
The command described the incident as a case of Sudden and Unnatural Death (SUD), which occurred on Saturday, January 11, 2026, at about 3:00 p.m., according to an official statement.
Explaining how the tragedy was discovered, the Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Grace Iringe-Koko, said the alarm was raised by one Godwin Ogosu, a resident of Ogale, Eleme.
Ogosu reported that his elder brother, alongside his wife and children, had retired to bed the previous night but failed to wake up the next morning, with their room still locked from the inside.
Following the distress call, operatives from the Eleme Police Division were immediately deployed to the scene.
The officers forced their way into the room and found all the occupants dead.
The victims were identified as Theophilus Obele, 49; his wife, Eunice Obele, 35; their children — Saka Obele, 18; Peace Obele, 14; and Nyimenka Obele, 7; as well as another male, Abel Nwaka, aged 25.
Initial findings by the police indicate that the deaths may have been caused by inhalation of generator fumes.
A generator was reportedly found operating inside the house’s parlour, heightening suspicions of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The bodies were subsequently evacuated to the Last Home Mortuary in Ebubu, Eleme, where autopsies will be conducted.
Police also documented the scene with photographs as part of ongoing investigations. CSP Iringe-Koko stated that further inquiries are underway to establish the exact cause of death and eliminate any other possible circumstances.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, described the incident as tragic and ordered a comprehensive investigation.
He further warned residents against unsafe generator practices, stressing the need for proper ventilation and safe placement of generators away from living spaces.
“Generators should never be operated in parlours, garages, sheds or partially enclosed spaces, as this poses a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning,” the Commissioner warned, urging residents to prioritise their safety and that of their families.
The Rivers State Police Command also expressed its condolences to the bereaved family, noting that the incident has plunged the Ogale community into deep mourning while once again drawing attention to the dangers of generator-related deaths in the state.
