- Safiu Kehinde
Residents of Ogale community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers were on Sunday thrown into a state of mourning as generator fumes killed family a man, his wife, and their four children.
This was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Edo State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko.
According to the statement, the family of six died due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning that emanated from the generator.
Iringe-Koko said the victims were discovered dead in their locked apartment at about 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.
She explained that one Mr Godwin Ogosu had reported that his elder brother, his wife and their four children, who went to bed the previous night, failed to come out in the morning.
According to her, after repeated knocks on the door by co-tenants yielded no response, the matter was reported to the police.
“Operatives from the Eleme Police Division immediately mobilised to the scene and forcibly opened the door.
“Inside the room, six lifeless bodies were found, including father, mother, three male children, and one female child,” she said.
Preliminary investigations suggested that the deaths were caused by generator fumes.
“The family’s generator was reportedly switched on and placed inside the parlour before they retired to bed,” she disclosed.
Iringe-Koko said the bodies had been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy, while photographic evidence was taken to support ongoing investigations.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, described the deaths as tragic and advised residents to always place generators in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
He warned that placing generators in sitting rooms, garages, sheds, or enclosed spaces could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and death.
“This dangerous practice has claimed many lives. Residents must prioritise their safety and that of their families,” Adepoju said.