The police in Rivers State have disclosed how a family of six comprising the father, mother, and their four children were found dead in their home in Ogale community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
The Command’s public relations officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, a chief superintendent of police, (CSP) made this known on Tuesday at a media briefing.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that the family was suspected to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning at their residence.
Iringe-Koko said the victims were discovered dead in their locked apartment about 3pm on January 11, 2026, following a report by Godwin Ogosu 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 police were alerted.
The PPRO said: “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.
According to her, “The family’s generator was reportedly switched on and placed inside the parlour before they retired to bed”.
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, Rivers Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, described the deaths as tragic and advised residents to always place generators in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
Warning that placing generators in sitting rooms, garages, sheds, or enclosed spaces could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and death, the police boss said, “This dangerous practice has claimed many lives.
“Residents must prioritise their safety and that of their families.”