Gunmen Kill Imo Youth Leader, Harm Siblings, Burn Houses
Unidentified assailants have murdered Stanley Nwoke, the newly elected youth leader of Umusi Olokwa community in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State.
The attackers, who struck on the night of Saturday, March 15, 2025, also injured four of Nwoke’s siblings and set nine houses ablaze.
His killing comes just weeks after he was declared the winner of the youth leadership election held on January 3, 2025.
In response to the incident, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, visited the community on Sunday to assess the damage.
According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, CP Danjuma strongly condemned the attack and confirmed that arrests had been made in connection with the crime.
“The attack, which occurred on March 15, 2025, at about 9:00 PM, left four of his siblings injured and resulted in the burning of nine houses.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the violence erupted after a youth election held on January 3, 2025, 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 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.”
Four suspects have been arrested and are currently undergoing investigation, while efforts are ongoing 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.
“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. CP 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 adopt peaceful conflict resolution strategies to prevent future occurrences,” Henry added.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
