The Imo State Police Command has responded to the crisis that erupted in Umusi/Olokwa Community, Owerri West LGA, which claimed the life of the Youth Leader-elect, Stanley Nwoke, two months after he was declared the winner of the Community Youth general election.
In a press statement, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has condemned the killing and vowed to apprehend those responsible.
Okoye revealed that the attack, which took place on 15 March 2025, left four siblings of the murdered youth leader injured and led to the burning of nine houses.
He further stated that preliminary investigations indicated the violence erupted following the youth election held on 3 January 2025. After Nwoke was declared the winner, a faction allegedly led by Chinaza Nwachukwu and others—who are currently at large and suspected to be behind the attack—rejected the outcome.
The command’s spokesperson explained that, in response to the incident, CP Danjuma, alongside his management team, visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment, where he commiserated with the bereaved families and those whose houses were destroyed.
Okoye added that the Police Commissioner assured the community of the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice and preventing future violence.
He confirmed that four suspects have already been arrested and are currently under investigation, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
Okoye further stated that the deceased’s body has been deposited in the morgue, and the injured victims are receiving medical care in the hospital.
“Consequently, 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, emphasising that violence is not a solution to disputes. He also calls on community leaders to adopt peaceful conflict resolution strategies to prevent future occurrences,” he stated.
The command’s spokesperson used the opportunity to reaffirm the Command’s commitment to the safety of all residents.
He encouraged members of the public to provide credible information that could aid the ongoing investigation by contacting the police via its emergency lines 0803 477 3600 and 0814 802 4755.
