Four Arrested After LC I Chairperson's Homes Set on Fire in Oyam

Full report

Police in Oyam District have arrested four suspects following a suspected arson attack that destroyed two houses at the home of an LC I chairperson.

The incident happened at about 12:34 a.m. on July 23 in Ader Village, Ader Parish, Otwal Sub-county. The houses belong to Mr. Odoch Edward, 64, the LC I Chairperson of Ader Village.

According to North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the attack is believed to be connected to a cattle theft case in which one of the suspects, Okaka Peter, was arrested in June this year.

Police said Odoch had earlier reported receiving threats from people believed to be connected to the suspect. He also informed police that some individuals had been seen around his home before the attack.

On the night of the incident, unknown people allegedly set fire to four houses at the chairman's home. Family members and neighbours managed to put out the fire and saved two of the houses, while the other two were destroyed.

Items destroyed in the fire included four bags of soya beans, two sacks of maize, kitchen utensils and several farm tools.

Police said information from a witness helped investigators arrest four suspects. They are Okaka Peter, Ojok Ambrose, Obura Dennis and Aremo Bonny.

A team led by Oyam District Police Commander SP Ayikoyo Sydney visited the scene. Officers recovered a matchbox and a pair of sandals believed to belong to one of the suspects. The items will be examined as part of the investigation.

Police said investigations are still ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the attack and whether other people were involved.

SP Okema condemned the attack and urged the public to remain calm, cooperate with police and avoid taking the law into their own hands.