Suspected cultists have killed the Vice Chairman of Obelle Council of Chiefs in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

 

 

 

Chief Ferdinand Dabiri was shot dead during a meeting of local chiefs at Omuwoka village on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

 

 

 

 

Joseph Eze Dabiri, the second son of the slain chief, confirmed the killing during a telephone conversation with Channels Television on Sunday.

 

 

 

 

“I heard that a guy came with a gun while my father was in a meeting at Omuwoka village in Obelle, shot at him twice and fled,” Joseph said.

 

 

 

He added that the matter has been reported to the Rumuji Police Division and appealed to authorities to ensure justice is served.

 

 

 

According to eyewitnesses, the peace of the gathering was shattered when suspected members of a cult group stormed the venue on motorbikes

 

 

 

The incident has thrown residents of the community into mourning.

 

 

 

The leader of the cult group reportedly alighted from a bike, walked directly up to Chief Dabiri, pulled out a firearm, and shot him at close range—twice before fleeing the scene.

 

 

 

 

The assailant reportedly confirmed his victim was d3ad before making his escape.

 

 

 

 

The sudden violence caused pandemonium as other chiefs scrambled for safety. By nightfall, reports indicated that some residents had begun fleeing the community for fear of further attacks.

 

 

 

The k!lling has further deepened concerns over the resurgence of cult-related violence in Obelle.

 

 

 

On November 15, 2024, one Miss Loveth Amadi led a protest to the same Rumuji Police Division, accusing the same cult leader

 

of being responsible for the m8rder of her father, Akpata Amadi, a member of the local vigilante group.

 

 

 

That incident occurred on November 4, 2024.

 

 

 

Obelle has witnessed a disturbing rise in cult-linked killings over the past year, with residents now calling for urgent security intervention to prevent further bloodshed and restore peace in the troubled community.