The police in Alebtong District have in custody 25 suspects apprehended on allegations of illegally gaining access to Awei Government Prison land.
It’s alleged that on March 30, 2023, the officer in charge of Awei Prison reported to the police about a group of people who were digging up the prison land and planting crops.
“Police personnel led by the area DPC responded and found the group at the scene; unfortunately, all were armed with pangas, spears, clubs, and hoes and refused to leave the farm and instead became very violent, an indication that they knew they were in the wrong, they went a head and assaulted some police officers,” said SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga regional police spokesperson.
He added that police managed to arrest 18 male adults and seven female adults, totaling 25 suspects, and they are all being detained at Alebtong District CPS in custody.
Okema noted that several dangerous weapons were recovered and exhibited by the police.
According to the police, it was established that Mr. Ongom Okwel, the former aspirant for area MP, Odongo Francis GISO of Awei Sub-County, and Mr. Pila Moses LCI of Tegar Village were behind inciting and mobilising community members. Police have since commenced investigation about the trio’s alleged participation and efforts to speak to the above proved futile by press time.
Police have instituted an investigation and preferred charges of criminal trespass, inciting violence, and assaulting police officers on duty against the suspects.
Police appealed to locals to respect the land allocated to government prisons by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries as one way the government can increase food supply in the country.
