Police Confirm Death of Five Family Members in Abia, Launch Investigation

The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the death of five members of the same family whose lifeless bodies were discovered inside their residence in Umuimo Community, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of the state.

The tragic incident has thrown the community into mourning, with residents expressing shock over the sudden loss of the family.

According to information gathered, the victims were last seen by neighbours and other residents on Saturday, July 18. Their prolonged absence from public view later raised concerns within the neighbourhood. 

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

A community source said some residents suspect the family may have died after inhaling carbon monoxide fumes from a power generator. However, the cause of death has not been officially established, and police have urged against speculation pending the outcome of investigations.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said the case was reported by a brother of one of the deceased after repeated attempts to reach his relative proved unsuccessful.

According to her, police officers accompanied the complainant to the family’s residence at Umuimo Village, Osisioma Ngwa, where the disturbing discovery was made. 

“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,” Chinaka said.

She added that detectives immediately secured the scene for investigation.

“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,” she stated.

The police said an autopsy will help determine the exact cause of death, while detectives continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Authorities have appealed to members of the public to remain calm and refrain from drawing conclusions until the outcome of the police investigation and medical examination is made known.