Police confirm death of five family members in Abia community

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By Ugochukwu Alaribe

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UMUAHIA — The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the death of five members of the same family at Umuimo community in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of the state.

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The incident has thrown the community into mourning following the discovery of the lifeless bodies of the family inside their residence.

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It was gathered that the family was last seen by neighbours and other residents on Saturday, July 18, before their prolonged absence raised concerns within the community.

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After several days without seeing any member of the household, residents reportedly checked the residence, where the five bodies were discovered on Monday morning.

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A community source told Vanguard that residents suspect the family may have died from inhaling carbon monoxide fumes from a power generator, although the cause of death has yet to be confirmed.

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Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abia State Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said the matter was reported by the deceased’s brother after he was unable to reach one of the victims.

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She said police officers accompanied the complainant to the family’s residence at Umuimo Village, Osisioma Ngwa.

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According to Chinaka, “Upon arrival, repeated knocks yielded no response. They subsequently forced entry into the house, where they discovered the lifeless and decomposing bodies of their brother and his family.

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“The crime scene has been visited. A preliminary visual inspection of the bodies was conducted, and photographs taken. The corpses have been deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy. Investigation is ongoing.”

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The police said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

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