Youth Leader-elect Murdered, 9 Houses Set Ablaze In Imo

The sleepy community of Umusi/Olokwa in Owerri West local government area, Imo State, was struck with calamity as the newly elected youth leader, Stanley  Nwoke, was murdered, with four of his siblings sustaining  various degrees of injuries.

Nine houses were also set ablaze in the unfortunate incident.

This was made known through a statement made available to newsmen by the police public relations officer, PPRO, Henry Okoye.

According to the release, “the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has condemned the gruesome murder of Stanley Nwoke, the Youth Leader-elect of Umusi/Olokwa Community in Owerri West LGA.

“The attack, which occurred on 15th March 2025 at about 2100hrs, left four of his siblings injured and led to the burning of nine houses. Preliminary investigations reveal that the violence erupted over a youth election held on 3rd January 2025, after Nwoke was declared the winner. A faction allegedly led by Chinaza Nwachukwu and others, who are currently at large, is suspected to be behind the attack.”

In response to the incident, CP Aboki Danjuma, alongside his management team, visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment. During the visit, he commiserated with the bereaved families and those whose houses were destroyed.

He assured them of the command’s commitment to ensuring justice and preventing future violence.

Meanwhile, four suspects have already been arrested and are currently undergoing investigation, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects. Additionally, the deceased’s body has been deposited at the morgue, and the injured victims are receiving medical care in the hospital.

Consequently, the Commissioner of Police assures the public that normalcy has been restored in Umusi/Olokwa Community, with security measures in place to prevent further unrest. The CP urged all stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding, emphasizing that violence is not a solution to disputes. He also called on community leaders to adopt peaceful conflict resolution strategies to prevent future occurrences.

“The Imo State Police Command remains committed to the safety of all residents. The public is encouraged to provide credible information that can aid the ongoing investigation. Anyone with useful details should report to the nearest police station or contact the Command’s emergency lines 0803 477 3600, 08148024755”.