By Okidi Patrick
Police in North Kyoga have launched a murder investigation after an angry mob lynched a man accused of cattle rustling in Lira City East Division.
According to SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the deceased, Jasper Awany, alias John, was cornered by residents on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at around 6:00 PM at Adaga Ayela Cell, Boke Ward. He was suspected of stealing a cow belonging to Betty Akech.
According to preliminary police reports, a group of community members intercepted Awany at Adaga Ayela Trading Centre and beat him severely.
After sustaining critical internal injuries, the victim was marched back to his home by the same group, who subsequently fled the scene. As his condition deteriorated, anxious relatives rushed him to Gift Life Health Centre. However, clinicians pronounced him dead upon arrival on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:00 AM.
A team of homicide detectives alongside Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) processed the crime scene. The body has been transferred to the Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.
North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, confirmed that a prime suspect, Geoffrey Opio, alias Okello Boda, is currently in custody to aid the investigation.
“One suspect is helping us with inquiries, and our teams are on the ground tracking down the other perpetrators who took part in this lawless act,” SP Okema stated.
The territorial police strongly condemned the incident, cautioning local communities against taking the law into their own hands.
“We urge the public to always surrender suspects to the nearest police post or lawful authorities for proper investigation and prosecution, rather than resorting to mob justice,” SP J.P. Okema advised.
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