Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Ibusa, a historic community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, remained gripped by fear and uncertainty on Sunday as fresh details emerged over the killing of a young man identified as Anyibuofo, said to be a member of the Neo Black Movement, also known as Aye. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has deepened anxiety among residents already unsettled by recurring cult-related violence in the area.
According to multiple sources on the ground, the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area paid a visit to Ibusa to address worried residents following the killing. During the visit, the chairman reportedly announced a ₦5 million reward for anyone who can provide credible information leading to the arrest of the suspected shooter, who is believed to be on the run. The announcement was met with a mix of cautious relief and heightened tension, as residents weighed the promise of justice against fears of possible reprisals.
Eyewitness accounts surrounding the killing have added to the confusion and unease in the community. Some witnesses initially claimed that the shooter was an officer attached to an anti-cult unit, a revelation that, if confirmed, could raise serious questions about abuse of authority and the use of lethal force. However, new claims have since begun circulating within Ibusa suggesting a different narrative. According to these accounts, the shooter may have been a rival cultist who allegedly disguised himself in a police uniform to carry out the attack and evade suspicion.
The conflicting versions of events have left residents divided and deeply unsettled. While some believe the disguise theory could explain the brazenness of the attack, others fear it may be an attempt to deflect blame or obscure the true circumstances of the killing. As of the time of reporting, neither claim has been officially confirmed by the police or other security agencies, and authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue.
Community sources also confirmed that a photograph of the alleged suspect has been circulating widely within Ibusa, particularly on private messaging platforms and among youth groups. However, out of concern for due process and the presumption of innocence, the image has not been publicly released by responsible media outlets, as the allegations against the individual remain unproven. Residents say the circulation of the image has further heightened tension, with fears that mistaken identity or mob action could lead to additional violence.
The killing of Anyibuofo has reopened old wounds in Ibusa, a town that has witnessed several waves of cult clashes over the years. Although relative calm had returned in recent months, locals say underlying rivalries never truly disappeared, and Saturday’s incident has revived memories of past bloodshed. Businesses reportedly closed early in parts of the town, while parents kept children indoors as rumors and fear spread through the community.
During his address, the council chairman reportedly appealed for calm and cooperation with security agencies, emphasizing that justice would be pursued through lawful means. He stressed that the ₦5 million reward was intended to encourage residents to come forward with useful information, not to incite vigilantism. Community leaders present at the meeting echoed this call, urging youths to resist the temptation to take the law into their own hands.
Security analysts note that cult-related violence in parts of Delta State often thrives on secrecy, retaliation, and cycles of revenge, making investigations particularly difficult. The use of disguises, including alleged impersonation of security personnel, has been reported in past incidents across the state, complicating efforts to distinguish criminal acts from legitimate law enforcement operations. This pattern, analysts warn, erodes public trust and fuels dangerous rumors that can escalate communal tensions.
Residents of Ibusa are now calling on the Delta State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to deploy additional security personnel to the area, at least temporarily, to prevent further violence. Many have also renewed calls for deeper engagement with youths, arguing that unemployment, drug abuse, and the allure of secret cults continue to trap young people in cycles of crime and death.
As investigations continue, the identity of the shooter and the true circumstances surrounding the killing remain unresolved. What is clear, however, is that the incident has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in Ibusa and similar communities across southern Nigeria. For families in the town, the fear is not only about who pulled the trigger, but about what might happen next if decisive action is not taken.
For now, Ibusa waits anxiously as authorities pursue leads, residents share information quietly, and the promise of a ₦5 million reward hangs over a community desperate for answers, justice, and lasting peace.
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