The police in Alebtong District have arrested a total of 25 suspects accused of encroaching on Awei Government Prison land.
SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga regional police spokesperson, said 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.
According to the police, it was established that Mr. Ongom Okwel, the former MP aspirant for Ajuri (FDC), Odongo Francis, GISO of Awei Sub-County, and Pila Moses LCI of Tegar Village were allegedly behind inciting and mobilising community members, a claim which Ongom has refuted.
Police have since commenced an investigation about the trio’s alleged participation.
“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 head-on and assaulted some police officers,” Okema said.
SP Okema said the 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.
He adds that several dangerous weapons were recovered and exhibited by the police.
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.
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