Police detain irate youths who attacked NGO in Yumbe

CRIME |

Police have arrested two youths who allegedly mobilized others attacked a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) in Yumbe district.

The duo led a group of angry youths and raided the offices of Action Against Hunger (AAH), an implementing partner working in Bidibidi refugee settlement.

According to eyewitnesses, one youth identified as Walter Butele who worked with the organization is believed to have mobilized the youths. Butele, a former driver at the organisation claimed that he was not paid and later poisoned at the NGO in September last year.

The youth clobbered the staff and stole their valuables like phones, laptops, and money before driving off the two cars.

Moses Lukwango, the Field Coordinator at AAH says, the group came and entered the office premises and immediately started mistreating and beating the staff.

"They didn't give room for dialogue, staff lost their money, phones, bags and laptops. They also drove away with two organization's vehicles," Lukwago said.

Moses Olang, Yumbe District Police Commander, says the police immediately reached the scene and arrested two key suspects who were immediately transferred to Arua city to appear before the court.

He identified the two suspects as Walter Butele and Malish Akimu, all residents of Yumbe district.

"We responded very fast and disorganized their plan of burning the offices as we recovered petrol, tools such as pangas, knives and arrested two key leaders and recovered the two vehicles," said Olang.

Michael Nabugere Joel, the settlement commandant, Bidibidi refugee settlement says, the act was uncalled for.

 "We shall take legal procedures to address the matter, as it's purely criminal," said Nabugere.

Taban Yassin, the LC V chairman Yumbe district condemned the incident and urged the youth to desist from such behaviours.

"We are in a modern world where diplomacy is basically practiced in such issues rather than taking the law into our hands," said Taban.

Ashraf Ajobe, the Acting RDC Yumbe district said the act of the youth is criminal and that security is on ground to ensure stability.