The family of Nigerian singer Patoranking is in mourning following the tragic deaths of his sister, Chioma Onuabuchi, and her husband, George.
The couple was laid to rest in their hometown of Uburu, Ebonyi State, on November 25, 2024, amid tears and overwhelming grief from family, friends, and community members.
Their deaths were the result of a fatal gas explosion that occurred in their home in Abakaliki on September 11, 2024.
The explosion shocked the entire community and left the family devastated.
A neighbour, shared the chilling details of the moment the explosion happened.
“We only heard the sound of an explosion in the afternoon,” the neighbour recalled. “When we rushed to the compound, smoke was coming out of the new building with all the electronics destroyed. The ceiling, doors, and windows were damaged, and it sounded like a bomb.”
At first, the neighbours and others thought the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder or perhaps an inverter.
“We thought it was either a gas cylinder or maybe an inverter,” he continued. “Only God knows what was implanted in that house.”
The explosion caused serious damage to the house, and the couple, who were inside, were severely injured.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the tragic incident.
Ukandu explained that both Chioma and George were rushed to the hospital after the explosion.
“They have been in the hospital; the wife died first. She is the sister of Patoranking. Her husband died yesterday, September 11, 2024,” DSP Ukandu said.
Despite efforts to save them, Chioma passed away first, followed by her husband, George.
The cause of the explosion has yet to be confirmed, as authorities continue to investigate.
“We are still investigating the cause of the explosion, whether it was a battery inverter or a gas cylinder. We don’t have any confirmed facts yet,” Ukandu added.
While the loss has been devastating for the family, there is some relief in knowing that the couple’s young son, who is only three years old, was not inside the house at the time of the explosion.
The child had been staying with his grandmother when the tragedy occurred.
The death of Chioma and George has left the family and the community in deep sorrow, as they were well-loved by those around them.
Friends and family who gathered for the burial expressed their shock and grief at the loss of such kind and hardworking individuals.
Patoranking, who was visibly shaken, was joined by close family members at the funeral service, which was marked by emotional tributes and heartfelt prayers.
As investigations continue into the cause of the explosion, authorities are urging residents to take extra care when using these items to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
“Please ensure that your gas cylinders and electronic devices are properly maintained,” DSP Ukandu advised. “We want to prevent this kind of tragedy from happening again.”
For now, the family is left to mourn the untimely loss of Chioma and George.
As the couple is laid to rest, their family and the entire community are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
