Family of 6 burnt to death in suspected suicide

By Tobias Owiny                                                              

Police in Oyam district are investigating the circumstances under which, a woman and her five children burnt to death in their hut in Minakulu Sub County, on Friday night.

Sharon Akello aged 35; a resident of Acwaa village in Minakulu Sub County, Oyam district is reported to have locked herself up together with her five children in the hut before setting it ablaze.

According to William Oyet, Akello's father in law, the incident happened when her husband, had gone for a traditional marriage of his second wife. Oyet said the motive for Akello's action has shocked the entire community since she has been living peacefully with her husband and co-wife in the same home in Acwaa.

Oyet who said that the bodies were burnt to ashes has identified the deceased children as Justine Oketta aged 10, Nancy Amony, 8, Eunice Apoko, 6, Rachael Alal, 4, and two-year- old Mercy Adong. .

Oyam District Police Commander, Waiswa Najib has ruled out a possibility of any foul play saying it is still being regarded as suicide.

He however, told New Vision that they are still carrying out further investigations into the incident. They were all buried on Sunday in Acwaa village.