A newly elected youth leader, Stanley Nwoke, has been murdered in the Umusi Olokwa community, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State. The tragic incident occurred on the night of Saturday, March 15, 2025, when unidentified attackers stormed the area, leaving destruction in their wake.
Reports indicate that four of Nwoke’s siblings sustained injuries in the attack, while nine houses were set ablaze, causing panic among residents.
Violence Linked to Youth Election
Nwoke was declared the winner of the community’s youth leadership election on January 3, 2025. Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack may have been linked to disputes arising from the election. Authorities suspect that a faction allegedly led by Chinaza Nwachukwu, who is currently at large, was responsible for the violence.
Police Response and Arrests
Following the attack, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, visited the community on Sunday to assess the situation. In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, the commissioner strongly condemned the attack and assured the public that justice would be served.
“The attack, which occurred at about 9:00 PM, left four siblings injured and led to the burning of nine houses. So far, four suspects have been arrested, and investigations are ongoing to track down others involved,” the statement read.
The commissioner also confirmed that the deceased’s body has been deposited in a morgue, while the injured victims are receiving medical treatment.
Security Measures in Place
In an effort to restore calm, the police have deployed additional security personnel to the community. CP Danjuma urged residents to remain law-abiding and emphasized that violence is not a solution to disputes. He also called on community leaders to encourage peaceful conflict resolution to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Authorities have assured the public that efforts are being intensified to apprehend all those responsible for the attack.
This incident has left the community in mourning, as residents demand swift justice for the slain youth leader and the victims affected by the violence.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
