Police in Nwoya district are holding a 30-year-old man on allegations of burning his separated wife’s house, leaving five children dead.
Grief on Saturday morning engulfed residents of Opok A’ village, Amar parish in Koch Goma Sub-county Nwoya district, after the jilted man torched his wife Beatrice Akello’s hut, burning the five children to death.
Ms Akello, 24, who was the target reportedly escaped with minor injuries and is currently admitted at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor in Gulu Municipality where she is receiving medication.
Two of the deceased were the couple’s biological children while the others were the suspect’s in-laws.
Police identified the deceased as Welborn Onen, 6, Lily Ajok, 17, Sarah Acayo, 15, Boniface Rubangakene, 6 and and a four-year-old girl only identified as Aber.
It is alleged that the suspect followed his wife to her parent’s home after she left him following a domestic brawl they had on December 30th last year.
According to eye witnesses, the suspect poured petrol on the grass thatched hut where his wife and the children were sleeping at about 4:00am after the New Year’s celebration before setting it ablaze.
Aswa Regional Police Commander, Mr Wilson Kwanya, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect man had already been apprehended and is being detained at Nwoya Central Police Station.
“He will be charged with murder and attempted murder on different counts. We advise any residents who have domestic issues to always approach the local leaders, churches or police to avoid cases that end in death. Police are always available to help,” Mr Kwanya said.
LCIII Chairperson Koch Goma Sub County Mr John Bosco Okullu, told Daily the suspect has in the past attempted to commit suicide three times.
Mr Okullu added that since January last year, a total of 38 people died from his sub-county as a result of suicide and arson cases.
editorial@ug.nationmedia.com
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