Four suspects arrested after fatal ambush of Kaberamaido businessman

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A businessman who operated in Kaberamaido town council in Kaberamaido district, Xavier Peter Oseng, also known as “Sebi Apur Owite,” has been murdered in a suspected ambush near his home.

The incident occurred on June 6, 2026, at about 8:30 pm at Okeratok ‘A’ village, Kaberamaido parish, Kaberamaido subcounty, as he was returning home within the same village.

Kaberamaido district police commander Peter Akampulira immediately responded after receiving the report and secured the crime scene. He ordered that a few residents remain near the scene overnight to guard it, as investigations could not proceed fully in the dark.

The matter was reported at Kaberamaido Central Police Station by the LC1 of Okeratok ‘A’ village and registered under reference SD 39/06/06/2026.

Police preliminary findings

According to preliminary police findings, the assailant or assailants are suspected to have ambushed Oseng approximately 200 metres from his home.

Investigators believe the attackers hid under a banana plantation near the roadside, using the darkness as cover.

On reaching the point of attack, Oseng is suspected to have been struck with an axe, causing him to fall from his bicycle, before being further attacked with a sharp object, believed to be a panga.

Police observed two deep injuries, one at the back of the head and another on the neck.

At the scene, Oseng was found lying on his bicycle. Near his head was his mobile phone, with blood oozing from the wounds.

An axe with a broken handle was also recovered beside the body. Investigators suspect significant force was used, breaking the handle during the attack. Residents were particularly disturbed by how new the broken handle appeared.

Police detectives at the crime scene

In his pockets, Oseng had a bunch of keys, a money pass containing eight hundred shillings in coins, and a bottle containing a distillate.

He was also carrying a black polythene bag containing local pancakes believed to have been bought for his grandchildren.

Police further noted that the victim did not raise any alarm, suggesting he may have been closely monitored before the attack.

Oseng, who was wearing a light blue T-shirt and grey trousers, was taken to Kaberamaido Hospital for a postmortem.

DPC Akampulira said investigations were ongoing and urged anyone with information about the suspects to come forward.

Police canine leads to arrests

The police deployed a canine unit from Dokolo district due to the severity of the crime.

The dog tracked a scent from the scene to a nearby swamp, which investigators believe the attacker may have crossed to wash off or disguise their trail.

The trail later led officers to the home of Stephen Edwoku, where he and his wife Annah Ilacho were arrested and detained for questioning.

Two additional suspects have since been arrested, bringing the total to four, while others remain at large.

How the murder was discovered

The incident came to light after Oseng’s daughter, Winnie Aturo, who lives in Ochero town council, repeatedly tried to reach him by phone but received no response.

She informed her sister, Veronica Akecha, who also attempted unsuccessfully to call him. Concern grew, and Akecha alerted their mother, Aida Anyajo.

The mother initially suggested that Oseng might have been delayed due to drinking, a habit she said was not unusual for him.

However, as concern persisted, Anyajo walked along the route to their home in search of him, where she discovered that he had been killed.

She immediately raised an alarm upon returning to the village.

What leaders say

LC3 chairperson of Kaberamaido subcounty, Francis Echolu, described the killing as brutal and urged police to expedite investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice.

District councillor Emmanuel Enyenu said the area has experienced similar violent incidents in the past, citing previous murders in the same village, and called for special security attention.

Clan chairperson of the Akures clan, Michael Oboi, said there were existing land disputes being handled in court but cautioned against speculation, saying investigations should determine whether there was any link.

He said, “Since the police are already investigating, I cannot say anything. Let us wait for their investigations.”