Youth leader killed, nine houses burnt in Imo
By Emma Ogbuehi
The insecurity ravaging Imo State worsened over the weekend with the brutal killing of Stanley Nwoke, a newly elected youth leader. Four of his siblings were also injured in the attack.
The attack which took place in Umusi/Olokwa community in Owerri West Local Government Area at about 9 p.m. on Saturday, also saw nine houses set ablaze, escalating fears in the area.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, visited the community on Sunday for an on-the-spot assessment, strongly condemning the attack.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved family 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.”
