A trader, Ifeanyi, his wife, and their two children have lost their lives after spending just one night in their new apartment in Onitsha.
The lifeless bodies of the couple, their two children and other two adults who lived with them were found a day after they moved into the apartment.
It is believed that they must have inhaled poisonous fumes from their generator.
The two adults living with the couple were identified as the mother-in-law and Ifeanyi’s apprentice.
Ifeanyi, originally from Enugu State and working as a trader at Onitsha Bridge Head Market, had made an arrangement for the new apartment as a surprise for his wife.
They moved into the apartment with pomp and ceremonies.
However, the joy of moving into a more spacious and more befitting apartment turned tragic after a power outage forced them to put on their generator to have a comfortable night. The generator is believed to have killed them.
A source stated, “The entire members of the family were enjoying themselves when suddenly there was a power outage. The man had to put on the generating set stationed on the veranda close to the bedroom.
“The celebration continued into the night before they all slept off and didn’t remember to put off the generating set.
“The next morning, a friend who (was) supposed to join them in the celebration but was unable went to felicitate with them only to discover that the doors were locked with the generating set still on.
“After knocking continuously without response, he alerted other neighbours who forced the door open and saw the lifeless bodies.”
Confirming the report, Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, described it as unfortunate, saying circumstances surrounding their death were still unknown.
“Yes, the unfortunate incident happened and we are yet to unravel the circumstances surrounding their death.
“The Commissioner of Police directed the Divisional Police Officer in the area to find out what happened.
“The information he gathered shows it happened and the particular house has been identified while the inquiry is still ongoing,” he stated.
