By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
The North Kyoga Regional Police have raised concern over a recent surge in murder cases across the region after six people were killed in separate incidents within one week, most of them linked to domestic violence, mob justice and alcohol-related disputes.
According to Regional Police Spokesperson SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the murders were recorded in the districts of Kwania, Apac, Oyam and Lira, with Kwania accounting for three of the six incidents.
Among the cases was the killing of a 74-year-old woman in Atongtidi Sub-county, Kwania District, who allegedly died after intervening in an assault involving her son and grandson. Police said the suspect, who also sustained injuries during the incident, remains under medical care as investigations continue.
In another incident in Kwania, a 36-year-old man reportedly died after being assaulted during a disagreement over locally brewed waragi worth UGX 500 at a bar in Olaipali Trading Centre. A third murder in the district involved a man who was allegedly attacked by four suspects at a drinking joint. The suspects reportedly fled the scene and are being pursued by police.
In Apac District, a man identified as Ogwang was lynched by an angry mob following allegations that he had stolen a goat. Police said no arrests had been made by the time of issuing the statement, although investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible.
Meanwhile, in Oyam District, a 49-year-old man was allegedly killed after a dispute in which he was accused of calling another man a thief. The suspect has since been arrested and is assisting police with investigations.
In Lira District, police are also investigating the death of a 55-year-old man whose body was found along a road leading to his home after he had reportedly left a drinking place.
SP Okema said the incidents point to a worrying trend in which minor disagreements, domestic conflicts, allegations of theft and excessive alcohol consumption are increasingly escalating into fatal violence.
He condemned mob justice and all forms of violence, reminding the public that suspected offenders should be reported to the police and allowed to face the due process of the law.
The police spokesperson also called on district local governments to strengthen the regulation of drinking establishments through appropriate by-laws to promote responsible alcohol consumption and support efforts to prevent crime.
Police have appealed to members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely information that can help prevent crime and bring offenders to justice.
End
Recent Comments