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Police hunt woman accused of burning nephew’s hands
Police confirmed the incident, saying the suspect remains at large and police have launched a manhunt to bring her to justice. Bogere said police have preferred a charge of aggravated torture against Ajok as investigations continue.
The child, who is an orphan and the son of Ajok’s brother, has since been taken to Lira for specialised medical treatment. (Courtesy)
By: Christopher Nyeko, Journalist @New Vision
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Police and local leaders in Pader district have launched a manhunt for a 38-year-old woman accused of severely burning the hands of her five-year-old nephew, whom she had been caring for at her home in Rackoko village, Lunyili subcounty.
The suspect, identified as Mercy Ajok, a single mother who operates a grocery shop, allegedly committed the assault on July 31, 2026.
According to Rackoko village LC1 chairperson Jimmy Ojok Omot, local leaders became aware of the incident after receiving information that Ajok was secretly treating the child’s injuries instead of seeking proper medical care.Ojok said Ajok allegedly accused the boy of stealing a piece of candy and opening a bottle of soda. However, when local leaders questioned the child, he explained that he had only been chewing a sweet and had not opened the soda.
The boy further alleged that his aunt poured petrol on both his hands before igniting them with a match, leaving him with severe burns.
The matter was reported to police at Awere Police Station. However, when officers attempted to arrest Ajok, she reportedly fled on a motorcycle and has remained in hiding.
The child, who is an orphan and the son of Ajok’s brother, has since been taken to Lira for specialised medical treatment.
The boy further alleged that his aunt poured petrol on both his hands before igniting them with a match, leaving him with severe burns.
The matter was reported to police at Awere Police Station. However, when officers attempted to arrest Ajok, she reportedly fled on a motorcycle and has remained in hiding.
The child, who is an orphan and the son of Ajok’s brother, has since been taken to Lira for specialised medical treatment.
Ajok’s landlord, Campbell Otim, told local authorities that he had repeatedly witnessed the suspect mistreating the child. He alleged that she frequently denied him food and subjected him to other forms of abuse.
Local leaders said the suspect was reportedly sighted on August 4, 2026, in Lutiono village, Awere subcounty, and appealed to residents and local leaders in the area to help apprehend her and hand her over to police.
Pader district police commander Jackson Bogere confirmed the incident, saying the suspect remains at large and police have launched a manhunt to bring her to justice.
Bogere said police have preferred a charge of aggravated torture against Ajok as investigations continue.
Local leaders said the suspect was reportedly sighted on August 4, 2026, in Lutiono village, Awere subcounty, and appealed to residents and local leaders in the area to help apprehend her and hand her over to police.
Pader district police commander Jackson Bogere confirmed the incident, saying the suspect remains at large and police have launched a manhunt to bring her to justice.
Bogere said police have preferred a charge of aggravated torture against Ajok as investigations continue.