Police launch inquiry into gruesome murder of Arua D H O

By Mike Rwothomio

Police in Arua have assured of bringing to books, the unsympathetic  murderers of slain Arua Acting  District Health Officer, Dr. Paul Bishop  Drileba, 55,  who was reportedly brutally murdered in cold blood in Oyeku Village, Ombokoro Parish,  Ajia Sub-County, on the afternoon of 23rd November 2024.

The case is registered under CRB 249/2024

Drileba  tragically lost his life during an attack by a group of unidentified maniacs as he accompanied  his lawyer, surveyors, and workers, to  demarcate boundaries of land he acquired in September this year   at Oyeku Village.

Trouble ensued when the team was violently attacked by a group of about 50  goons wielding rudimentary tools like  machetes, axes, bows, and arrows.

In the fracas, Police say  Dr. Drileba succumbed to the  injuries.   one surveyor was also  critically injured  whilst others flee to the woods unhurt.

The West Nile regional Police Spokesperson Collins Asea, attributed the incident to unresolved protracted land dispute in the area.

” Preliminary findings suggest that the land in question was contested by members of the Oyeku clan, who claim historical ownership. The attack appears to have stemmed from unresolved disputes regarding the land’s sale and ownership” Asea’s statement reads in part.

He added ” Despite the tragic nature of the incident, it was noted that personal effects, including UGX 1,767,000 found on the deceased, remained untouched, indicating the attackers were solely motivated by grievances related to the land” 

Asea assured that ” Police  remains committed to ensuring justice for the deceased. Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the attack.”

Authorities have since  called ”  upon all parties to resolve disputes through lawful channels and urge members of the public to remain calm as investigations continue”

There has been flurry of condemnation of the unlawful  act by  members of the public.