•Carbon monoxide inhalation suspected to be likely cause •Police begin investigation
Six members of a family residing in Ogale Eleme area of Rivers State was on Sunday, January 11, discovered dead in their locked room.
The Public Relations Officer of the Rivers Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the deaths, said that the bodies were discovered at about 3p.m.
She disclosed that one Godwin Ogosu reported to the police that his elder brother, wife and children who went to bed on January 10, had yet to wake up, while their doors were still locked.
“In a swift response, operatives of the Command attached to the Eleme Division, went to the scene, forced open the doors to the room and discovered their lifeless bodies,” the PPRO said.
She stated further: “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 investigation is ongoing.”
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, who expressed sadness at the incident and offered condolences to the families of the victims, has directed a thorough investigation, Thenewsbearer learnt.
He further advised residents to always place their power generating sets in well ventilated outdoor areas when they are in use, in order to prevent inhaling carbon monoxide.
