Police detectives probe attack on Apac herdsmen
Oct 31, 2007
OFFICERS from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) have been dispatched to Apac district to investigate attacks on herdsmen (Balaalo) over the weekend.
By Patrick Opio and Geoffrey Eling-Owera
OFFICERS from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) have been dispatched to Apac district to investigate attacks on herdsmen (Balaalo) over the weekend.
Addressing journalists in the district yesterday, the Police spokesperson, Asan Kasingye, said the officers were from Lira, Amolatar, Oyam, Dokolo and Gulu districts.
He said some suspects had been released to help the Police in the investigations, while 25 would be produced in court soon.
Appearing on Apac FM on Tuesday, Kasingye warned the community against taking the law into their hands.
“Our leaders must desist from inciting the public for selfish gains. Political gimmicks should not be used in security matters.â€
Kasingye also cautioned the locals against tribalism.
It is reported that the herdsmen, evicted from Amolatar district, were on their way to Kiryandongo in Masindi district, when they were attacked.
Armed men reportedly waylaid the pastoralists at Tarogali parish in Ibuje sub-county, killed some of their cows and injured over 170 others.
A herdsman was shot in the shoulder and was admitted to Apac Hospital.
It is also alleged that residents stole an unspecified number of cattle.
Several people, including Ibuje LC3 chairperson, Geoffrey Oyuru, were arrested in connection with the incident.
The district Police commander, Peter Sirikye, said they were also looking for the LC5 councillor, Asanti Odongo.
Local leaders have been accused of inciting the public against the herdsmen, and for distributing machetes to the locals.
The district internal security officer, Kenneth Barigye, said about 110 cattle were missing. He warned those keeping the animals to release them immediately.
OFFICERS from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) have been dispatched to Apac district to investigate attacks on herdsmen (Balaalo) over the weekend.
Addressing journalists in the district yesterday, the Police spokesperson, Asan Kasingye, said the officers were from Lira, Amolatar, Oyam, Dokolo and Gulu districts.
He said some suspects had been released to help the Police in the investigations, while 25 would be produced in court soon.
Appearing on Apac FM on Tuesday, Kasingye warned the community against taking the law into their hands.
“Our leaders must desist from inciting the public for selfish gains. Political gimmicks should not be used in security matters.â€
Kasingye also cautioned the locals against tribalism.
It is reported that the herdsmen, evicted from Amolatar district, were on their way to Kiryandongo in Masindi district, when they were attacked.
Armed men reportedly waylaid the pastoralists at Tarogali parish in Ibuje sub-county, killed some of their cows and injured over 170 others.
A herdsman was shot in the shoulder and was admitted to Apac Hospital.
It is also alleged that residents stole an unspecified number of cattle.
Several people, including Ibuje LC3 chairperson, Geoffrey Oyuru, were arrested in connection with the incident.
The district Police commander, Peter Sirikye, said they were also looking for the LC5 councillor, Asanti Odongo.
Local leaders have been accused of inciting the public against the herdsmen, and for distributing machetes to the locals.
The district internal security officer, Kenneth Barigye, said about 110 cattle were missing. He warned those keeping the animals to release them immediately.