A family of six in Ogale community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, was found dead on Sunday morning after they reportedly went to bed on Saturday night and did not wake up, throwing the entire neighbourhood into mourning.
The victims were identified as Mr. Theophilus Obele, his wife, their three children, and a brother of the woman of the house who was said to be staying with the family.
Residents said concern grew early Sunday when neighbours noticed unusual silence from the household and repeated attempts to get their attention failed. On gaining access to the house, the family members were discovered lifeless.
The shocking incident sparked grief and panic across the community, as sympathisers thronged the area in disbelief. Many residents described the Obeles as quiet and peace-loving people, adding that nothing unusual was noticed on Saturday night.
Security operatives were later alerted, and officials were said to have visited the scene. Although the cause of death had not been officially confirmed as at the time of filing this report, investigations have commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Community leaders called for calm while urging authorities to carry out a thorough investigation to unravel what led to the deaths.
The remains of the deceased were expected to be evacuated following preliminary examinations, as the Ogale community continues to mourn one of its darkest days.
The family were said to have visited their village from their base in Port Harcourt for the Yuletide and were billed to return on Sunday. Cases of poisoning from generator fumes have been reported in the past to kill entire households, making the authorities to warn families not to run generators in enclosed places.
But many locals believe that they were killed through voodoo. Traditionally, people do not believe that people just die, that enemies could have used juju or other forms of charms to kill the deceased.
