Fear and anxiety have gripped residents of Obelle community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State following the brutal killing of a prominent traditional chief by suspected cultists during a violent invasion.
The slain community leader, identified as Chief Ferdinand Dabiri, who served as the Vice Chairman of the Obelle Council of Chiefs, was reportedly shot dead by a gunman said to be a member of the notorious Iceland cult group.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the incident occurred on Saturday evening, July 19, while a meeting of village chiefs was ongoing in Umuwoka Village, a part of the Obelle community. The cultists, numbering about four, reportedly arrived on motorcycles and disrupted the gathering.
One of the assailants, identified by community sources as a notorious gang leader known as “Cairo”, allegedly walked into the meeting venue, went straight to Chief Dabiri, and shot him at close range without any form of confrontation or provocation. The attackers immediately fled the scene, leaving the 60-year-old chief in a pool of blood.
The sudden attack caused panic among community leaders and residents alike. Many of the chiefs in attendance fled the scene for fear of further violence, while residents reportedly abandoned their homes amid growing uncertainty and fear of a reprisal attack.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, the deceased’s son, Joseph Dabiri, confirmed the death of his father, describing the killing as shocking and painful.
“I was informed that while my father was in a meeting with other chiefs, someone came in, shot him twice, and ran away with others on motorcycles. We’re still in shock,” he said.
The killing has heightened concerns about the resurgence of cult-related violence in Emohua and other parts of Rivers State, an area long plagued by gang rivalry and insecurity.
Reacting to the development, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and said the matter is being thoroughly investigated. She disclosed that the police have launched a manhunt for the suspected killers, believed to be members of the Iceland cult gang.
“Yes, we are aware of the incident involving the killing of a traditional ruler in Obelle. The DPO of Rumuji Division has been directed to intensify efforts to arrest the suspect known as ‘Cairo’ and others involved. The corpse has been deposited in a mortuary, and investigations are ongoing,” she stated.
As of the time of filing this report, tension remains high in the community, with a noticeable security presence aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order. Residents have called on the state government and security agencies to step in and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice, while also restoring peace to the troubled area.
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