The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has provided update on the tragedy that struck a family of six at Ebubu Community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Chief Superintendent of Police, while briefing journalists on Monday, January 12, 2026 in Port Harcourt, disclosed that the Obele family died of fumes from a generating set.
She stated that one Godwin Ogosu, a male resident of Ogale Community in Eleme LGA, through a distress call, alerted the Eleme Division of the State Police Command of the incident, reporting that his elder brother, wife and children, who slept the previous night have not woken up yet.
According to her, Police operatives from the Eleme Division swiftly responded to the scene, forced the doors to the room open and discovered the lifeless bodies of the family members.
She averred that upon preliminary investigations, it was discovered that the generator was left on in the sitting room of the victims, saying that while the outcome of a full investigation is awaited, preliminary findings suggest generator fume poisoning as cause of death.
The victims were identified as: Theophilus Obele, male, 49 years, Eunice Obele, female, 35 years, Saka Obele, male, 18 years, Peace Obele, female, 14 years, Nyimenka Obele, male, 7 years, and Abel Nwaka, male, 25 years.
The Police Public Relations Officer stated that the corpses have been deposited at Late Home Mortuary in Ebubu Eleme for autopsy, while photographic evidence have been taken and investigation is ongoing.
According to her, the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, on behalf of the Rivers State Police Command extended heartfelt condolences to families of the victims, and has directed thorough investigation into the incident, enjoining citizens to prioritize safety for themselves and those around them.
He advised residents that when using generator, they should always place it in a well-ventilated outdoor area away from doors, windows and vents rather than in their parlours, garages, sheds or partially enclosed spaces as this is crucial to prevent dissemination of carbon monoxide.