Tension has gripped the Obelle community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State after the gruesome killing of Chief Ferdinand Dabiri, Vice Chairman of the Obelle Council of Chiefs, by suspected cultists.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday evening, July 19, 2025, during a chiefs’ meeting at Omuwoka village. Eyewitnesses say that suspected members of the Iceland cult group, allegedly led by a notorious figure identified as “Cairo,” stormed the meeting on motorbikes and opened fire.
According to multiple sources, Cairo reportedly walked straight up to Chief Dabiri, shot him twice at close range, and fled the scene after confirming the chief was dead. The sudden attack caused panic, forcing other chiefs and residents to flee for their lives.
By nightfall, fear had spread through the community, with many locals reportedly fleeing their homes to avoid further violence.
Speaking with reporters, Joseph Eze Dabiri, the son of the slain chief, confirmed the killing and expressed shock over the incident.
“I heard a man came with a gun during their meeting and shot my father twice before escaping. We have reported the matter to the Rumuji Police Division,” Joseph stated, urging law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Although the Rivers State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement, military personnel from the Ibaa community have increased patrols in the area.
The killing of Chief Dabiri has sparked fresh concerns over rising cult-related violence in Obelle. The community has experienced a troubling wave of killings linked to cult clashes. Notably, on November 4, 2024, Akpata Amadi, a local vigilante member, was also murdered—an act for which his daughter, Miss Loveth Amadi, accused the same Cairo.
Residents are now calling on the government and security agencies to act urgently to end the bloodshed and restore peace to the area.
