Four arrested over killing of Imo youth leader, arson

Officers of the Imo State Police Command have arrested four persons in connection with the March 15 killing of the youth leader-elect of Umusi/Olokwa community in Owerri West Local Government Council, Imo State, Stanley Nwoke.

This was disclosed over the weekend by the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye.

Okoye, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), stated that the deceased had won the election on January 3, leading to a crisis allegedly led by the Chinaza Nwachukwu faction in the area, which also resulted in the burning of nine houses and injuries to multiple persons.

A statement issued read: “Meanwhile, four suspects have already 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, 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 2100hrs, left four of his siblings injured and led to the burning of nine houses. Preliminary investigations reveal that the violence erupted over a youth election held on January 3, 2025, after 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.”

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in response to the incident, said, “CP Aboki Danjuma, alongside his management team, visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment.

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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.

He noted, “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, 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 Imo State Police Command remains committed to the safety of all residents. The public is encouraged to provide credible information that can aid the ongoing investigation. Anyone with useful details should report to the nearest police station or contact the command’s emergency lines: 0803 477 3600, 08148024755.”