Security authorities in Acholi have warned residents in areas vulnerable to attacks by Karimojong warriors to refrain from opening and attending to strangers during nighttime hours.
This warning comes in the wake of an incident on Tuesday night, where suspected armed Karimojong warriors shot dead Alfred Otti (59), a resident of Kidimon Village in Namakora Sub County, Kitgum district.
The gunmen allegedly ordered Otti to open the door before opening fire, resulting in his immediate death. The attackers then fled the scene with three goats, leaving behind seven bullet casings. David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa River Region Police Spokesperson, emphasized the need for extra precautions among residents in affected areas.
‘’We would wish to urge the members of the public to enhance personal security and desist from adhering to unusual orders from strangers especially in the late hours of the night but instead should from time to time endeavor to communicate to the security authorities through all the available means for interventions.’’ Warned Mudong.
The Acholi sub-region, particularly Lamwo and Kitgum districts, has experienced a rise in gun violence. These areas share borders with Karamojong regions and are adjacent to South Sudan. Most of the attacks occur during nighttime hours.
This week alone, five people have been killed by unidentified gunmen in Lamwo and Kitgum districts. Among the victims was the LC1 Chairperson of Tedo Pee village in Lukung Sub County, Lamwo district.