Residents of the Ogale community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State have been thrown into shock following the discovery of the lifeless bodies of six members of a family inside their apartment on Sunday morning, January 11, 2026.
The deceased were identified as Obele Theophilus, his wife, their children, and a brother-in-law who had been staying with the family during the holiday period.
According to community sources, the family retired to bed on Saturday night and were expected to resume their journey back to Port Harcourt after the holidays. However, none of them woke up the following morning.
Concern arose among neighbours when the family’s apartment remained unusually quiet and locked well into the morning hours.
By about 10:00 a.m., repeated attempts to get a response from inside the apartment failed. Alarmed by the silence, neighbours reportedly forced the door open, only to discover the lifeless bodies inside.
Witnesses said Obele Theophilus and the children were found lying on the bed, while the wife was discovered in the bathroom. The brother-in-law’s body was found close to the door, a detail that has led some residents to believe he may have attempted to exit the apartment before collapsing.
The discovery immediately sent shockwaves through the community, with residents describing the family as quiet and well-known in the area.
Community members said there had been no prior indication of distress or conflict within the household, making the incident particularly disturbing.
Local authorities and security operatives were alerted shortly after the discovery. Police officers cordoned off the apartment and commenced preliminary investigations.
The bodies were later evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and further examination.
As of the time of reporting, the cause of death remains unknown. No official statement has yet confirmed whether the deaths were linked to environmental factors, medical conditions, or other circumstances.
Authorities have cautioned against speculation and urged members of the public to allow investigations to run their course.
The incident has renewed conversations around home safety, emergency preparedness, and the importance of early reporting of unusual situations within residential communities.
Police officials are expected to release further details after forensic examinations and autopsy results are concluded.
Residents of Ogale community continue to mourn the tragic loss as investigations remain ongoing.
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