Youth Leader Killed, 9 Houses Destroyed Amid Election Dispute in Imo
A tragic incident unfolded in the quiet community of Umusi/Olokwa in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State on Saturday, March 15, 2025, when Stanley Nwoke, the newly elected youth leader, was brutally murdered. Four of his siblings were also injured in the attack, and nine houses were set ablaze in the ensuing violence.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement, explaining that Nwoke’s murder stemmed from the youth election held on January 3, 2025. Nwoke was declared the winner of that election.
“The tragic attack occurred on March 15, 2025, around 9:00 PM. It resulted in four of Nwoke’s siblings sustaining injuries and the destruction of nine homes,” Okoye said. “Preliminary investigations suggest that the violence was triggered by the youth election, where Nwoke emerged as the winner.”
Police investigations point to a faction allegedly led by Chinaza Nwachukwu, among others, who are currently on the run, as being behind the violent attack.
Imo State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has condemned the murder of the newly elected youth leader. He, along with his team, visited the community to assess the situation firsthand.
During the visit, CP Danjuma expressed his condolences to the grieving families and those affected by the destruction of their homes. He assured the public of the Command’s commitment to delivering justice and preventing future violence in the community.
As of now, four individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack and are undergoing investigation. Efforts are underway to capture the remaining suspects.
Meanwhile, the police confirmed that Nwoke’s body has been transferred to the morgue, while those injured are receiving medical treatment.
The Commissioner of Police also reassured the community that normalcy had been restored, with enhanced security measures in place to prevent further unrest. He appealed to all residents and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that violence is never a solution to disputes.
CP Danjuma called on community leaders to adopt peaceful means of resolving conflicts to avoid similar tragedies in the future. He reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and encouraged the public to provide any information that could aid the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the nearest police station or use the Command’s emergency lines: 0803 477 3600 or 0814 802 4755.
