Community Leader Brutally Murdered by Unknown Assailants, Set Ablaze

Tension is escalating in the oil-rich Obodougwa-Ogume community of Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Delta State, following the brutal murder of former Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, Anselm Oyibo. Oyibo was reportedly attacked with machetes and subsequently set ablaze by unknown assailants.

His charred remains were discovered alongside his motorcycle at the Obodougwa Ogume junction on Kwale-Obiaruku Road on Monday.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident on Tuesday. Sources revealed that Oyibo left his residence in Kwale around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday after receiving a phone call and did not return.

The motive behind the killing remains unclear, though the community has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership conflict. This tension previously resulted in the burning of 16 houses two months ago.

A community source recounted that Oyibo abruptly left his home just before midnight, insisting on having the gate opened for him. When questioned about his destination at such a late hour, he reportedly responded, “I am coming, I am coming.”

“He started his motorcycle, answered a call, and left,” the source said. “Given that he has two wives, it was assumed he was heading to his second wife’s residence. When he didn’t return the next morning, his second wife was contacted and she confirmed he had not been at her place.”

Efforts to reach Oyibo by phone initially succeeded, but eventually, the calls went unanswered. Later, the community received information that someone had been killed and burnt with a motorcycle at the junction.