Tragedy struck in Obelle community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, as suspected members of the dreaded Iceland cult group gunned down the Vice Chairman of the Obelle Council of Chiefs, Ferdinand Dabiri, during a community meeting.

Naijaonpoint reports that the attack, which sent shockwaves through the quiet village of Omuwoka, occurred while Dabiri and other traditional leaders were wrapping up deliberations at their usual meeting spot.

According to The Nation, the assailant, later identified as ‘Cairo’, alighted from a motorbike, ignored the other chiefs, and went straight for his target. Without hesitation, he shot Dabiri in the chest.

Confirming the incident, the deceased’s son, Joseph Dabiri, said the family was still in shock.

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

“Then somebody grabbed him (gunman), but he struggled and freed himself from the man’s grip, shot my dad again twice and fled.”

Joseph’s brother also confirmed that the matter had been reported to the Rumuji Police Division.

Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the killing, saying the command had opened a full-scale investigation into the incident.

She said, “I can confirm the incident. From the situation report I got, one ‘Cairo’ went to the Obelle community and shot somebody while they were holding a meeting.

“The command has commenced an investigation into the matter to ensure the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice. The deceased’s body has been deposited in the morgue.”