Police confirm mysterious death of five Abia family members
July 24, 2026 2:58 am
Abia State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa. Photo: The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka
The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the mysterious death of five members of the same family in Umuimo, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, identified as Mr Kachi Nnabugwu, his wife, Chinaza, and their three children, were found dead inside their residence on Tuesday after they had not been seen for several days.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said the matter was reported to the Osisioma Divisional Police Headquarters by the deceased’s brother.
She said, “Yes, the attention of the Osisioma Divisional Police Headquarters was drawn to the incident on July 22, 2026, by the brother of the deceased, who reported that after being unable to reach Kachi Nnabugwu, they proceeded to his residence at Umuimo Village, Osisioma LGA.
“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 detectives visited the scene and commenced investigations.
“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 added.
Residents said the family was last seen on Saturday, July 18, before concern grew over their prolonged absence.
It was gathered that neighbours, assisted by other community members, forced the door open after repeated attempts to contact the family failed, only to discover the five bodies inside the house.
Sources in the community said containers of leftover food and a generator were found in the building during the search.
The bodies were later evacuated and deposited at a mortuary.
Meanwhile, a video circulating on social media showed community members performing traditional rites following the discovery, although the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the deaths.
Sunday Nwakanma is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 25 years of professional experience in reporting. He is based in Abia State and has worked across local, regional, and national newspapers, covering a wide range of public affairs issues. Sunday’s work reflects extensive newsroom experience, multiple professional recognitions, and a strong commitment to press freedom and responsible journalism.
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