Mysterious Deaths of Two Young Boys Spark Outrage and Mob Violence

Lira District, Uganda - In a shocking turn of events, the Lira District police are currently investigating the sudden deaths of two young boys, Raymond Ocuku, 16, and Abel Ocwa, 11, who died under suspicious circumstances on December 19, 2024. The incident has sparked outrage in the community, leading to mob violence aimed at those suspected of involvement in their deaths.

According to reports, the two boys, both pupils of P.6 and P.3 respectively at Acutkumu Primary School, were last seen in good health before being allegedly given cassava chips by 36-year-old Martin Ojok on the evening of December 18. Eyewitnesses claim that shortly after consuming the snacks, the boys began experiencing severe stomach pains and vomiting. Tragically, Ocuku succumbed to his condition on the way to the hospital, while Ocwa was pronounced dead upon arrival at Gift Life Care Clinic in Lira City.

The police were alerted to the situation, leading to a swift response from a team that included the deputy OC CID and various local stakeholders. As the investigation unfolded, tensions escalated in the community. A mob, outraged by the deaths of the boys, turned its fury on suspected individuals, including Janet Akullo and Sam Lingo, who were accused of having a role in the boys' tragic fate.

In a chaotic scene, Martin Ojok was rescued from the violent mob by police officers after suffering injuries himself. D/ASP Molly Achora, the District CID officer, was also injured during the fray and required medical attention at Good Samaritan Medical Center.

The local police have since registered a case of mob murder at the Lira District Central Police Station and are actively pursuing leads to apprehend other suspects, including Omara Okol and David Ojok, who remain at large. Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased have been transported to the Lira Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.

SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the PRO for North Kyoga Region, expressed his condolences and urged the public for calm. "It's really a very unfortunate incident," he stated. "We call for calmness from relatives of the deceased and members of the public. We shall conduct scientific findings to ascertain the cause of death and condemn strongly the act of killings and taking laws into their hands."

As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, grappling with the tragic loss of two innocent lives and the brutal violence that ensued in the wake of their deaths. The police are encouraging anyone with information to come forward, ensuring that those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice.