The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that the tragic death of a family of six in Ebubu Community, Eleme Local Government Area, was caused by inhalation of fumes from a generating set.

The heartbreaking incident occurred on Sunday, January 11, 2026, and sent shockwaves across the community.

Briefing journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, January 12, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said preliminary investigations revealed that the victims died from generator fume poisoning.

She explained that the incident was reported by one Godwin Ogosu, a resident of Ogale Community in Eleme and younger brother to the deceased, who raised an alarm after his elder brother, his wife and children failed to wake up from sleep.

According to the police spokesperson, operatives from the Eleme Division immediately responded to the distress call. Upon arrival, officers forced their way into the apartment and discovered the lifeless bodies of all six occupants.

SP Iringe-Koko disclosed that initial findings showed that a generator had been left running overnight inside the sitting room of the house. While a full investigation is still ongoing, preliminary evidence strongly points to carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death.

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 Abel Nwaka, 25.

The police said the bodies have been deposited at the Late Home Mortuary in Ebubu, Eleme, for autopsy. Photographic evidence has also been taken as part of the investigation.

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, on behalf of the Command, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the Ebubu community, describing the incident as painful and avoidable.

He urged residents to take safety precautions when using power generators, stressing that generators should always be placed outdoors in well-ventilated areas, far from doors, windows and air vents.

The police warned against operating generators in parlours, garages, corridors, sheds or partially enclosed spaces, noting that carbon monoxide is a silent and deadly gas capable of causing death within minutes.

The Command said it will continue to intensify public sensitisation on generator safety to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents across the state.