Suspected cultists kill traditional ruler in Rivers as police foil rival cult clash in Port Harcourt

Gunmen suspected to be members of a notorious cult group have killed Chief Ferdinand Dabiri, a traditional ruler and vice chairman of the Obelle Council of Chiefs, in Obelle community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday evening when the assailants stormed a meeting of community chiefs at Omuwoka village and opened fire, fatally shooting Dabiri. The attack triggered panic, forcing other chiefs and residents to flee for safety. As of Saturday night, several natives had reportedly fled the community due to rising tension.

Speaking to reporters, Joseph Dabiri, the second son of the deceased, confirmed the incident. “I heard that a guy came with a gun while my father was in a meeting, shot him twice, and escaped,” he said. He added that the matter had been reported to the Rumuji Divisional Police Headquarters and called for swift justice.

The Rivers State Police Command has not yet issued an official statement on the killing.

Meanwhile, police operatives in Port Harcourt foiled a violent confrontation between two rival cult groups over the weekend. Officers from the Azikiwe Police Division and the Octopus Tactical Unit intervened during a shootout between the groups along Azikiwe Street/Opobo Lane in Diobu, near a university campus in the state capital.

Eyewitnesses reported that the cultists, believed to be heading toward the university for a retaliatory attack, clashed in the Diobu area, sending pedestrians and business owners running for cover.

The swift response by law enforcement led to the arrest of three suspected cult members. During the operation, police recovered an English-made revolver pistol, one live round, and three spent shells from the suspects.

Confirming the development, Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, said: “Yes, I can confirm the incident. Three suspects were arrested. One English-made revolver pistol, one live ammunition, and three expanded ammunitions were recovered in the bag of the suspects.”

She added that investigations are ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the cult groups.