The elder, Abdi Hared Hilowle was gunned down by over three unknown gangs armed with pistols early this morning.

The elder was a broker in the area livestock market, according to his relatives who spoke to Sunatimes.

Confirming the incident, the area deputy regional governor, Mohamed Omar Issack said they are pursuing the gangs who are on the run and promised to bring them into book.

The assailants fled the scene of the incident, according eyewitnesses who spoke to Sunatimes on condition of anonymity.

The motives and the identity of the perpetrators behind the assassination of the elder are yet to be established.

The incident comes just two weeks after another elder, Adan Mohamed Issack was gunned down by armed thugs in the same town.