Carbon Monoxide Kills Kebbi Newlyweds: NOA Warns Against Indoor Generators, Charcoal Use

Carbon Monoxide Kills Kebbi Newlyweds: NOA Warns Against Indoor Generators, Charcoal Use

BIRNIN KEBBI - The National Orientation Agency, NOA, Kebbi State Directorate, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, issued an urgent public safety warning following the death of a newlywed couple in Gwandu Local Government Area, suspected to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning.  
The statement was made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday for onward dissemination to the general public, with a view to educating citizens on the dangers of using generators, charcoal stoves, and other smoke-emitting devices indoors.  

The warning was contained in a statement signed by Muhammed Musa Agah, Head of Department, Community Safety Awareness and Compliance, NOA Kebbi State Directorate.  

The Director of NOA in Kebbi State, Mallam Muhammed Nasir Karofi, described the incident as tragic and preventable.  
“We are deeply saddened by this avoidable tragedy. These toxic fumes are silent and slow killers. Because carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless, victims often do not recognize the danger until it is too late,” Mallam Karofi said.  

He expressed concern that many residents still take gasoline generators and charcoal stoves into their rooms, especially during cold weather or rainfall. “Under no circumstances should residents operate gasoline generators, charcoal heaters, or burn firewood inside rooms, hallways, or any enclosed space. People do this to warm their rooms or protect equipment from rain, but it puts their lives at great risk,” he warned.  

The Agency outlined key safety guidelines for households to prevent further loss of lives. “Always place operating gasoline generators far away from living spaces, open doors, windows, and ventilation vents,” Mallam Karofi stated.  

 
“Never burn charcoal, coal, or firewood inside rooms or any enclosed area,” he said. “Keep living areas well-ventilated at all times, especially during cold or rainy periods when windows and doors are usually kept shut,”he advised.  

The Director also called on residents to help spread the message. “Educate family members, neighbors, and tenants on the hidden dangers of carbon monoxide and indoor smoke inhalation. One conversation can save a life,” he said.  

Mallam Karofi reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to public safety across the state. The National Orientation Agency remains committed to safeguarding lives through continuous community engagement and safety awareness in all the 21 local government areas of Kebbi State,”he said.