Tragedy struck in Umusi Olokwa, Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, as a violent post-election attack claimed the life of the newly elected youth leader, Stanley Nwoke, leaving his siblings injured and several homes in ruins.
The brutal assault unfolded late Saturday night, just hours after Nwoke was declared the winner of the January 3, 2025, youth election. Armed assailants stormed his residence, murdering him in cold blood, inflicting grievous injuries on four of his siblings, and setting nine houses ablaze in what appears to be a targeted attack fueled by political tensions.
Eyewitnesses revealed that tensions had been brewing before and after the election, with rival factions disputing the outcome. The situation spiraled into full-blown violence, culminating in Nwoke’s murder and the mass destruction of property.
In the wake of the attack, Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, led a high-powered delegation to the community on Sunday, conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the destruction.
Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, stated that preliminary investigations identified a faction allegedly led by Chinaza Nwachukwu as the suspected masterminds behind the deadly attack.
“So far, four suspects have been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others who fled. The Commissioner of Police has assured that justice will be served, and all perpetrators will be brought to book,” Okoye said.
CP Danjuma, during his visit, condemned the attack in the strongest terms, sympathized with the victims, and vowed that the Imo State Police Command would leave no stone unturned in ensuring those responsible face the full wrath of the law.
He further assured residents that normalcy has been restored, with heightened security measures in place to prevent further violence. The police chief also called on community leaders and stakeholders to embrace peaceful conflict resolution, warning that violence will never be tolerated as a means of settling disputes.
Meanwhile, Nwoke’s body has been deposited at the morgue, while the injured siblings are receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
As investigations continue, the people of Umusi Olokwa remain on edge, hoping for swift justice and lasting peace in their troubled community.
PIONEER NEWS 