Abia State Police Command confirmed the death of five family members. The incident occurred in Umuimo, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area.

The victims were identified as Mr Kachi Nnabugwu, his wife Chinaza, and their three children. They were found dead inside their home on Tuesday after they had not been seen for several days.

On Thursday, police confirmed the incident. Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer, said the matter was reported to Osisioma Divisional Police Headquarters. The report came from the deceased’s brother.

According to Chinaka, the brother became worried after failing to reach Kachi Nnabugwu, so he went to the family home at Umuimo Village. When his repeated knocks got no response, the door was forced open, revealing the lifeless and decomposing bodies of his brother and the family.

She added that detectives had visited the scene, carried out a preliminary visual inspection of the bodies, and taken photographs. The corpses have been deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy, and investigation is ongoing.

Residents said the family was last seen on Saturday, July 18, before concern grew over their prolonged absence. Neighbours and other community members forced the door open after repeated attempts to contact the family failed, only to discover 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.

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.