Tragedy struck in Umusi Olokwa, a community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, as its newly elected youth leader, Stanley Nwoke, was brutally murdered.
Nwoke, who emerged victorious in the youth leadership election held on January 3, 2025, was attacked and killed on Saturday night.
The assailants also injured four of his siblings and set fire to nine houses.
Local sources disclosed that the violence stemmed from lingering tensions over the election results.
In response, Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, visited the scene on Sunday to assess the damage.
State Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye stated that CP Danjuma strongly condemned the attack and vowed that those responsible would face justice.
Preliminary findings indicated that the attack was orchestrated by a faction allegedly led by Chinaza Nwachukwu and others, who are currently on the run.
Security forces have arrested four suspects, while efforts continue to track down the remaining perpetrators.
CP Danjuma assured residents that peace had been restored and warned against further acts of violence.
He urged community leaders to resolve disputes peacefully and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to preventing future unrest.
Meanwhile, the deceased’s body has been deposited in the morgue, while the injured victims are receiving medical care.