LRA Seizes 10 From Oryem’s Village
Mar 07, 2003
JOSEPH Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) on Wednesday raided the home of sports state minister Henry Okello Oryem at Lapana, Namokora in Kitgum district. The rebels abducted 10 youth from the village.
By Albert Ayiga Ondoga
and Denis Ojwee
JOSEPH Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) on Wednesday raided the home of sports state minister Henry Okello Oryem at Lapana, Namokora in Kitgum district. The rebels abducted 10 youth from the village.
Local sources in Kitgum said the attackers included Karimojong warriors.
The sources added that one civilian was killed and some cattle grabbed.
The armed group also raided Mia-Pacwa in Paimol, reports said. In a telephone interview Oryem said, “I’m aware of the incident. This has been the second raid in my village by the rebels.â€
“Right now, I’m in Gulu on the Government team trying to find ways of talking to the rebels. The incident will not stop us from forging ahead with the peace process. I’ll continue to participate fully in the peace negotiation with the rebels so that our people can live a normal life in Acholi region.â€
The minister said property and food were looted in the 4:00pm raid.
Kitgum Resident District Commissioner Lt. Santo Okot-Lapolo said the Karimojong abducted 15 civilians from Omia-Pacwa in Agago county, east of Kitgum town.
He said the deceased had not been identified by the time he visited the village. “The rebels abducted civilians and forced them to carry the looted items, but our forces are following them. We won’t give up the operations against the rebels if they continue to terrorise our people.†The LRA declared a ceasefire on March 1 but they have continued to kill and abduct people.
Capt. Fred Mukorogo said the UPDF was pursuing the attackers in Namokora and Omia-Pacwa.
The RDC said some captives had escaped from the rebels. The President has allowed districts raided by Karimojong to recruit over 3,000 youths to fight the rustlers.
Ends
and Denis Ojwee
JOSEPH Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) on Wednesday raided the home of sports state minister Henry Okello Oryem at Lapana, Namokora in Kitgum district. The rebels abducted 10 youth from the village.
Local sources in Kitgum said the attackers included Karimojong warriors.
The sources added that one civilian was killed and some cattle grabbed.
The armed group also raided Mia-Pacwa in Paimol, reports said. In a telephone interview Oryem said, “I’m aware of the incident. This has been the second raid in my village by the rebels.â€
“Right now, I’m in Gulu on the Government team trying to find ways of talking to the rebels. The incident will not stop us from forging ahead with the peace process. I’ll continue to participate fully in the peace negotiation with the rebels so that our people can live a normal life in Acholi region.â€
The minister said property and food were looted in the 4:00pm raid.
Kitgum Resident District Commissioner Lt. Santo Okot-Lapolo said the Karimojong abducted 15 civilians from Omia-Pacwa in Agago county, east of Kitgum town.
He said the deceased had not been identified by the time he visited the village. “The rebels abducted civilians and forced them to carry the looted items, but our forces are following them. We won’t give up the operations against the rebels if they continue to terrorise our people.†The LRA declared a ceasefire on March 1 but they have continued to kill and abduct people.
Capt. Fred Mukorogo said the UPDF was pursuing the attackers in Namokora and Omia-Pacwa.
The RDC said some captives had escaped from the rebels. The President has allowed districts raided by Karimojong to recruit over 3,000 youths to fight the rustlers.
Ends