Gulu city police hunt suspects in mob killing of market labourer

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A grim start to the year has gripped Gulu city following the alleged murder of a 23-year-old man at Olayo-ilong Market in Bardege-Layibi division.

The victim, identified as Daniel Onek, a casual labourer and resident of Vanguard cell in Laroo-Pece division, was reportedly beaten to death by market security personnel and vendors in a vigilante-style attack that began on New Year’s Eve.

The fatal incident occurred at about 9:00 pm on December 31, 2025. According to police reports, Onek was passing through the market when he was intercepted by a security team led by the market’s head of security, a man identified as Onyama. Accusing him of theft, the group allegedly tied Onek’s legs with ropes and subjected him to a violent physical assault.

According to witness statements recorded by police at the scene, the events leading to Onek’s death were marked by prolonged violence and a refusal to allow medical intervention. Bystanders told investigators that security guards and several vendors immediately resorted to mob justice, restraining the young man by binding his legs before beating him with wooden sticks.

As the assault continued into the night, witnesses said concern grew over the victim’s worsening condition.

A relative of the deceased, identified as Amono, who also works as a vendor at the market, told police that she pleaded with the head of security on New Year’s Day to spare Onek’s life. She and other witnesses said they begged Onyama to allow them to take the unconscious and bleeding man to the hospital.

Witnesses claim Onyama rejected the pleas and warned relatives and bystanders not to "dare touch" the suspect or interfere with what he described as a "security action." Onek reportedly remained tied and unattended until he stopped breathing. Authorities were only notified after his death became apparent.

News of Onek’s death has triggered shock and anger across Gulu city, with residents condemning the growing culture of mob justice. Community members questioned why the suspects did not hand the deceased over to police, arguing that even if theft had occurred, restraining and beating a man for hours amounted to a breakdown of the rule of law.

Anger has particularly been directed at the Olayo-ilong Market security team. Witnesses said they were disturbed that a designated security official allegedly prevented relatives from seeking medical help. The refusal has been described by residents as an act of extreme heartlessness that turned a reported security intervention fatal.

In Laroo-Pece division, where Onek lived, friends described him as a young man struggling to earn a living. His death has left residents fearful, with calls for the Aswa West Regional Police to ensure the immediate arrest of Onyama and vendor Lillian Aduu.

Meanwhile, local LC1 chairpersons have appealed for calm, urging the youth and the victim’s relatives not to retaliate.

David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa West Regional Police spokesperson, said police had advised the community that the matter is now being handled by Gulu Central Police Station and that justice must follow legal procedures.

Ongom said the deceased suffered extensive bruising consistent with a beating using sticks. His legs were still tied with rope when officers arrived, and there were visible signs of trauma, including blood in his mouth.

Police recovered the rope used during the assault, although no arrests had been made by press time. Police have opened a murder by assault case under file number CRB 001/2026.

The prime suspects, including Onyama and Aduu, remain at large.

The body was taken to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital pending a postmortem examination as investigations continue.