Four suspects have been taken into police custody in connection with the alleged the murder of Umusi Olokwa community youth leader in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, Stanley Nwoke by gunmen at the weekend.
Four siblings of Nwoke were also injured by the assailants who set nine houses ablaze, when the tragedy struck on the night of Saturday, March 15, 2025.
The Nigeria police Command in Imo State spokesman, Henry Okoye who confirmed this in a statement, but did not give the names of the suspects.
He revealed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other criminal suspects linked to the attack which comes weeks after he was declared the winner of the youth leadership election held on January 3, 2025, was declared.
A faction of the youth body allegedly led by Chinaza Nwachukwu and others, now at large, is said to be behind the attack, according to preliminary investigation by the police, which condemned the attack.
The statement said the Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Aboki Danjuma who visited the Community on Sunday to assess the destruction firsthand.
The statement also stated that the deceased’s body has been deposited at the morgue, while the injured victims are receiving medical care in the hospital in the State.
“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,” according to the police statement.
“The attack, which occurred on March 15, 2025, at about 9:00 PM, left four of his siblings injured and resulted in the burning of nine houses.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the violence erupted after a youth election held on January 3, 2025, in which Nwoke was declared the winner.
“In response to the incident, CP Aboki Danjuma, alongside his management team, visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment.
“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 said.
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