AMURU RESIDENTS BEAT, DETAIN SIX ADJUMANI FARMERS

By MARTIN OKUDI

ADJUMANI.

Six people from Adjumani District were last week detained in Amuru District in a renewed conflict over land.

The six people, all residents of Gbayi village in Itirikwa Sub-county, Adjumani District, said about 50 people from Amuru District, armed with machetes, axes and sticks participated in the mid-morning seizure, which they described as “cruel”.

They said an unspecified amount of money was forcibly removed from their pockets while their farm tools were impounded by Amuru residents who told them that they were illegally cultivating on the land.

Mr Joseph Ambayo, one of those who were detained, said they were picked up from their gardens while other people were seized while on their way to a water point.

“We were taken to a bushy place near Apaa Primary School before a section of those who arrested us descended on us, beating us using sticks,” he said.
Mr Ambayo said they were denied access to water and food for six hours while in the custody of the people who arrested them.

Mr Jesus Iranya, the Itirikwa Sub-county chairperson, advised residents in the two districts to remain calm and avoid clashes over land since the government has already intervened to ensure there is harmony.

Mr Je Ojukuna, the Adjumani District police commander, condemned the arrests, describing the act of the Amuru residents as criminal. “We shall investigate and find out what could have sparked the arrest,” Mr Ojukuna said.
CREDIT: DAILY MONITOR