Tragedy struck in Owerri as Stanley Nwoke, the youth leader-elect of Umusi Olokwa community in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, was murdered.
The attack occurred on the night of Saturday, March 15, 2025, shortly after Nwoke was declared the winner of the January 3, 2025, election. His assailants also injured four of his siblings and set nine houses ablaze.
Community sources revealed that tensions had been high following the election. In response, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, visited the community on Sunday to assess the situation.
A statement from the state Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed that CP Danjuma condemned the killing and announced that arrests had been made.
“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, strongly condemns the gruesome murder of Stanley Nwoke, the Youth Leader-elect of Umusi Olokwa Community in Owerri West LGA. The attack, which occurred on March 15, 2025, at about 9:00 PM, left four of his siblings wounded and resulted in the destruction of nine houses.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the violence erupted due to the outcome of the January 3, 2025, youth election, in which Nwoke was declared the winner. A faction allegedly led by Chinaza Nwachukwu and others, who are currently at large, is suspected to be responsible for the attack.
“In response, CP Danjuma and his management team visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment. He sympathized with the bereaved families and those affected by the destruction, assuring them of the Command’s commitment to delivering justice and preventing further violence.
“Four suspects have been arrested and are currently under investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing perpetrators.
“The deceased’s body has been deposited in the morgue, while the injured victims are receiving medical treatment. Security has been reinforced in Umusi Olokwa to maintain peace.
“CP Danjuma urges all stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding, emphasizing that violence is not a solution to disputes. He also calls on community leaders to embrace peaceful conflict resolution to prevent future occurrences,” the statement reads.
