Tragedy struck at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, as two students lost their lives after inhaling fumes from a power generator placed near their apartment window overnight.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, revealed that the victims were identified as Bilikisu Eleojo, aged 20, and Ibrahim Haliru.
According to Aya, the fatal incident occurred as the generator emitted carbon monoxide into the room while the students slept, leading to their untimely demise before dawn.
Their lifeless bodies were discovered by neighbors early Thursday morning, leaving Mercy Ojochegbe, the third occupant, in critical condition.
“There were three students from Kogi State Polytechnic inside the room. One Bilikisu Tijani Eleojo, 20 years old, Ibrahim Haliru, and Mercy Ojochegbe.
“When they slept inside their room, a generating set was switched on close to the window of their apartment.
“They all slept off and inhaled carbon monoxide as a result of the generating set that was switched on.
“Bilikisu Tijani Eleojo, and Ibrahim Haliru were already dead when neighbours discovered the sad incident in the morning while Mercy Ojochegbe who was still breathing was immediately rushed to the hospital.
“The incident was reported at the ‘B’ Division of the Nigeria Police Force Lokoja and investigation is ongoing,” The Punch quoted him to have said.
Aya went on to stress the importance of safety measures to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, urging residents to prioritize precautionary steps in their homes.
