• CP Calls for Calm, Pledges Swift Justice
The Imo State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the attack on the Umusi/Olokwa Community in Owerri West Local Council, which led to the killing of Stanley Nwoke, the community’s newly elected youth leader.
According to reports, the violence stemmed from disputes over the youth leadership election held on January 3, 2025. The attack also left four of the deceased’s siblings injured and resulted in the burning of nine houses.
In a statement, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, revealed that a faction led by one Chinaza Nwachukwu, who remains at large, is suspected to be responsible for the violence. He confirmed that the arrested suspects are currently under investigation, while the victim’s body has been taken to the morgue and the injured are receiving treatment at a hospital.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, visited the community on Sunday, condemning the attack and urging residents to remain calm. He assured them that justice would be served swiftly.
“Following the incident, CP Aboki Danjuma and his team conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the situation,” Okoye stated. “He sympathized with the bereaved families and those whose homes were destroyed, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice and preventing further violence.”
He further confirmed that while four suspects have been apprehended, efforts are ongoing to track down others who fled. Security measures have also been reinforced to restore normalcy and prevent further unrest in the community.
The Commissioner of Police urged all stakeholders to maintain peace, emphasizing that violence is not a solution to conflicts. He called on community leaders to embrace peaceful dispute-resolution strategies to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
“The Imo State Police Command remains dedicated to the safety of all residents,” Okoye added, encouraging the public to provide credible information that could aid the investigation.
