Zombo, Uganda: The Territorial Police in Zombo District have launched a manhunt for unidentified gang suspects following a brutal aggravated assault on a 28-year-old man in the early hours of New Year’s Day, sparking renewed concerns over insecurity in Paidha Town Council.
The victim, Javis Okia, a resident of Akir Cell in Zingili Ward, was ambushed and severely beaten at Gunter Ville stage along Ofaka Road at around 2:00 a.m. on January 1, 2026, as he returned home from New Year celebrations.
According to police and family members, Okia was attacked by a group of thugs known to frequent the area in what was described as an unprovoked assault.
He sustained multiple blunt force injuries, including severe head trauma and extensive swelling to his limbs, head and eyes. He is currently admitted at Goli Health Centre IV after Good Samaritans rushed him to a nearby clinic for first aid before he was transferred for further treatment.
West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson Josephine Angucia confirmed the incident, saying investigations are underway. “A Police Form 3 for medical examination was issued to the victim’s brother. Names of potential suspects have been provided to police, but no arrests have been made yet,” SSP Angucia said.
She added that inquiries are ongoing under Paidha Police Station diary reference 04/01/01/2026, with officers recording witness statements to build a case aimed at arresting and prosecuting those responsible.
The victim’s mother, Jerese, credited passersby for saving her son’s life, saying he would likely have died without their timely intervention. “Those people who helped him are the reason my son is still alive,” she said.
Family members described the motive for the attack as unclear and vowed to pursue justice to its conclusion.
Local residents familiar with the area described Gunter Ville stage as a long-standing crime hotspot, citing frequent cases of violent robberies, phone snatching and drug trafficking involving marijuana and aviation fuel locally known as “Thina.”
The assault occurred just days after a serious robbery at a nearby shop, heightening fear among residents over what they describe as escalating insecurity in Paidha Town Council.
Several local leaders, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation from unruly youths, have called for the closure of Gunter Ville stage, warning that the area has become a danger to public safety in Zombo District.
Police have appealed to members of the public with information that could help identify the suspects to report to the nearest police station as investigations continue.
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