LC1 Chairman Among Suspects Detained After 30-Person Raid Leaves 8 Injured, Farm Tools Looted in Dzaip Subcounty.
By BUATRE George
ADJUMANI– Police in Adjumani District have arrested seven suspects, including a Local Council One chairman, over a violent land attack in which residents were assaulted, robbed and had farm tools stolen, police have said.
North West Nile Region police spokesperson, SP Asea Collins, said the incident occurred between the night of May 30 and morning of May 31, 2026, in Pawinnyo Village, Lugongwa Parish, Dzaip Subcounty. The suspects later fled to Sukari Village in the same subcounty.
The arrests follow a two-day attack that began with the theft of an ox plough and four oxen, and escalated into a daylight raid by about 30 people who cut and injured eight residents working on their farms. Police say the case highlights rising land-related violence as communities rush to cultivate during the rainy season
Seven suspects are in custody at Adjumani Central Police Station. They include Izavu Johnson Oyuwi, LC1 Chairman of Sukari Village. Victims are Chandiga Geoffrey, Moriku Grace, Rose Buni, Anyonze Santos, Mawadri Richard, Tabi Terence, Idraku William and Kinyaa Christine.
Police have opened case Adj CRB 344/2026. Suspects face charges of malicious damage, assault, theft and related offences. Police recovered the stolen ox plough and four oxen, which have been exhibited and returned to the rightful owners.
The first attack happened at about 6:00am on Friday, May 30, 2026. The second, larger attack occurred at about 8:00am on Saturday, May 31, 2026.
Pawinnyo Village, Lugongwa Parish, Dzaip Subcounty, Adjumani District. Suspects are residents of Sukari Village, Adidi Parish, also in Dzaip Subcounty.
Police say the motive was a land dispute. SP Asea Collins noted that tensions over land use and ownership often escalate during the planting season.
According to police, six individuals initially attacked at night, broke into a landowner’s property and drove away oxen and a plough.
The next morning, the group mobilized about 30 people, returned to the disputed land and attacked residents who were farming. They inflicted injuries using sharp objects and stole farm tools and personal belongings before fleeing back to Sukari Village.
Police, with support from the land desk, responded to the scene but the attackers had already fled. A follow-up operation led to the arrest of the seven suspects in Sukari Village.
SP Collins said statements have been recorded from witnesses and victims. Police Form 3, PF3, has been issued to the eight victims for medical examination. The stolen ox plough and oxen are being kept as exhibits
“The suspects are currently in custody at Adjumani CPS as investigations continue,” SP Asea Collins said in a statement. “We are working closely with ground officers to ensure justice for the victims and stability in the community.”
Police have urged local leaders to promote dialogue and encourage residents to resolve land disputes through lawful means. They warned against mob action and use of violence during this rainy season when land activity is high.
“Land is a sensitive issue. We urge communities to utilize land responsibly and report disputes early to local leaders and police to avoid loss of life and property,” Collins added.
Investigations are ongoing and further updates will be provided, police said.
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