Tragedy struck at Umusi/Olokwa community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, on Saturday, March 15 night, as hoodlums took the law into their own hands and brutally murdered Mr. Stanley Nwoke, the community’s newly elected youth leader, leaving four of his siblings injured.
The attack, which occurred around 9 p.m. on Saturday, also saw nine houses set ablaze, escalating uncertainties in the community, following a rancorous youth leadership election in January this year.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, who visited the community on Sunday – yesterday, March 16 – for an on-the-spot assessment, strongly condemning the attack, extending his condolences to the bereaved families and those whose homes were destroyed.
“We assure the public that normalcy has been restored in Umusi/Olokwa Community, with security measures in place to prevent further unrest,” he said.
It was learnt that the violence erupted over a youth election held on January 3, 2025, after Nwoke was declared the winner.
A faction of the youth group allegedly led by Chinaza Nwachukwu and others, who are currently at large, is suspected to be behind the attack.
CP Danjuma urged all stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding, emphasizing that “violence is not a solution to disputes.”
“We call on community leaders to adopt peaceful conflict resolution strategies to prevent future occurrences,” he appealed. (The nation)
