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Tragedy struck at Obinze community in the Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State on Monday after 12 family members were found unconscious.

The incident threw the community in a state of confusion, as the victims were rushed to a hospital.

On arrival at the Imo Specialist Hospital, Umuguma-Owerri, four of the 12 victims were confirmed dead, while doctors and nurses battled to save the lives of the eight others.

Our correspondent, who visited the hospital, observed as doctors and nurses battled to save the lives of the victims who were on life support machines.

A family member, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, wondered how a family of 12 could be found unconscious in a room in a duplex with six rooms.

He said, “The head of the family is the chief driver of Uche Onyeagucha, the PDP senatorial candidate for Owerri zone. His name is Kingsley. He was supposed to drive his boss to the Sam Mbakwe Airport this morning (Monday), but he didn’t pick his phone calls. His boss also called his wife, but no response.

“Onyeagucha then sent his personal assistant to his house. On arrival, nobody opened the gate after all the knocks on the gate. Somebody scaled the fenced and gained access into the compound.

“Doors were forced open only to discover that the 12 of them were locked in a room; they were all unconscious. Alarm was raised and people gathered. They were rushed to a hospital where four people, including the head of the family, were confirmed dead. Others are on life support machines.

“The 12 of them included the chief driver and his family, siblings and children of his wife who came on a visit. We suspect foul play.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Micheal Abattam, said investigation had commenced.