JUST-IN: Suspected Cultists Kill Traditional Ruler In Rivers

Gunmen suspected to be members of a notorious cult group have killed a traditional ruler, Chief Ferdinand Dabiri, at Obelle community, Emohua local government area of Rivers State.

Dabiri, who is the Vice Chairman of Obelle Council of Chiefs, was allegedly shot and killed by the suspected cultists who invaded venue of an ongoing meeting of the chiefs in the community.

The incident resulted in pandemonium as other chiefs scampered for safety, while some natives have also fled the community as at Saturday evening over the incident.

Speaking to newsmen, second son of the deceased, Joseph Dabiri narrated, “I heard that a guy came with gun while my father was in a meeting at Omuwoka village in Obelle, shot at him twice and fled on Saturday evening.”

He further disclosed that the incident has been reported to Rumuji Divisional Police headquarters, while demanding for justice on the murder of his father.

The Rivers State Police Command has not made an official statement on the incident as at the time of filing this report.

In a related development, police operatives attached to Azikiwe Division and the Octopus Tactical Unit, foiled a clash between two rival cult groups in Port Harcourt.

It was gathered that members of one of the cult group were on their way to the main campus of one of the universities in Port Harcourt to unleash violence and terror on their opponents when they came in contact with their rivals along Azikiwe Street/Opobo Lane in Diobu area of the state capital where they engaged themselves in a shoot-out.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that business owners and passersby scampered for safety, even as some hurriedly closed for the day as the clash ensued.

A source told LEADERSHIP that the timely intervention of the Azikiwe Police Division and Octopus Strike Force Unit led to the arrest of three suspected cultists and brought the situation under control.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the clash.

Iringe-Koko said, “Yes I can confirm the incident. Three suspects were arrested. One English made revolver pistol, one live ammunition and three expended ammunition were recovered in the bag of the suspects.

“Investigation is ongoing with a view to arresting fleeing members of the cult groups.”