Imo Youth Leader-Elect Killed in Post-Election Attack; Four Siblings Injured, Nine Houses Burnt as Police Arrest Suspects, Launch Manhunt for Perpetrators
Umusi Olokwa community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State was thrown into mourning following the brutal killing of its youth leader-elect, Stanley Nwoke. Nwoke was murdered on the night of Saturday, March 15, 2025, just two months after being declared the winner of the community’s youth leadership election held on January 3, 2025. The attackers also left four of his siblings injured and set nine houses on fire in a coordinated assault that has deepened tensions in the area.
Eyewitnesses and community sources reported that the election had been marred by post-election disputes, with factions within the community expressing dissatisfaction over the outcome. It is believed that these lingering tensions culminated in the fatal attack on Nwoke.
In response to the incident, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, visited the community on Sunday, March 16, 2025, to assess the level of destruction and reassure residents of swift justice. During his visit, he condemned the violence and extended his condolences to the bereaved family, as well as those who lost their homes in the attack.
A statement released by the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed that four suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack, while others, including the alleged mastermind Chinaza Nwachukwu, remain at large.
“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 March 15, 2025, at about 9:00 PM, left four of his siblings injured and resulted in the burning of nine houses,” the statement read.
“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.
“Meanwhile, four suspects have 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.
“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.”
The police have urged members of the public with useful information on the whereabouts of the fleeing suspects to come forward. Meanwhile, residents of Umusi Olokwa remain on edge, fearing further reprisal attacks as security operatives continue their investigations.
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