Stanley Nwoke, the recently elected youth leader of the Umusi Olokwa community in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, was murdered by unidentified assailants on Saturday night, 15th March 2025.
The attack, which occurred just weeks after Nwoke’s victory in the 3rd January 2025, youth leadership election, has prompted a police investigation into possible post-election violence.
In addition to Nwoke’s death, four of his siblings were injured, and nine houses were set ablaze during the attack.
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, visited the scene on Sunday to assess the damage and speak with residents.
A statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye confirmed that CP Danjuma condemned the attack and assured the community that the police are committed to apprehending those responsible.
The statement read: “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.
“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.”
