Tension has gripped the Obelle community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State following the tragedy killing of Chief Ferdinand Dabiri, the Vice Chairman of the Obelle Council of Chiefs.
Dabiri was reportedly shot dead on Saturday evening by suspected cultists while attending a meeting with other community chiefs. Sources allege that the attackers were members of the Iceland cult, led by a notorious figure known as ‘Cairo’.
Eyewitnesses said ‘Cairo’ arrived on a motorcycle, approached Chief Dabiri directly, shot him twice at close range, and fled with his accomplices. The brazen attack caused panic among the other chiefs present, who ran for safety, while several villagers also fled the area, fearing further violence.
The community remains on edge as residents await a response from security authorities.
The son of the deceased, identified as Joseph Dabiri, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Port Harcourt during a telephone chat on Sunday.
Joseph stated, “I heard that a guy came with a gun while my father was in a meeting at Umuwoka village in Obelle, when a man came and shot at him.
“Then, somebody grabbed him (the gunman), but he struggled and freed himself from the man’s grip and shot my dad again twice and fled.
State police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation was ongoing.
Iringe-Koko stated, “I can confirm the incident. From the situation report, I got that one ‘Carol’ went to the Obelle community and shot somebody while they were holding a meeting.
“The command has begun an investigation into the matter to ensure the perpetrators will be identified and made to face justice. The deceased corpse has been deposited in the morgue.”
