LRA major surrenders
Nov 16, 2005
A senior Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander, Maj. Joseph Opio, on Tuesday evening surrendered to the army at Pakwach military detachment in Nebbi district
By Chris Ochowun
A senior Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander, Maj. Joseph Opio, on Tuesday evening surrendered to the army at Pakwach military detachment in Nebbi district, with his family, the army said.
They reportedly crossed River Nile in a canoe and surrendered to residents of Panyan-go, Jonam, on the Nile, with two escorts.
UPDF 4th division chief Brig. Nathan Mugisha said Opio surrendered due to intense military pressure.
“Opio was operating in Latoro, Purongo sub- county, Omee in Amuru sub-county and general areas of the park. We have deployed heavily in these areas and occupied most of their hideouts. Rebel commanders are finding it difficult to operate. We shall kill those who won’t surrender,†Mugisha said.
He said Opio was one of the top commanders under Brig. Acel Calo Apar, killed early this year in Kilak county.
“Intense pressure was exerted by our cordon, search and destroy operations. Maj. Opio was wise to surrender. he will benefit from the Amnesty. His colleagues should follow suit,†north army spokesman Lt. Chris Magezi said in statement yesterday.
A senior Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander, Maj. Joseph Opio, on Tuesday evening surrendered to the army at Pakwach military detachment in Nebbi district, with his family, the army said.
They reportedly crossed River Nile in a canoe and surrendered to residents of Panyan-go, Jonam, on the Nile, with two escorts.
UPDF 4th division chief Brig. Nathan Mugisha said Opio surrendered due to intense military pressure.
“Opio was operating in Latoro, Purongo sub- county, Omee in Amuru sub-county and general areas of the park. We have deployed heavily in these areas and occupied most of their hideouts. Rebel commanders are finding it difficult to operate. We shall kill those who won’t surrender,†Mugisha said.
He said Opio was one of the top commanders under Brig. Acel Calo Apar, killed early this year in Kilak county.
“Intense pressure was exerted by our cordon, search and destroy operations. Maj. Opio was wise to surrender. he will benefit from the Amnesty. His colleagues should follow suit,†north army spokesman Lt. Chris Magezi said in statement yesterday.