10 hacked over land wrangles

Disputes. Cases of land disputes are on the rise in the region since people started resettling in their former homes.

At least 10 family members, including six children, from Tyer Village in Pader Sub-county, Pader District, were last week seriously injured after unknown people attacked them as they drew water from a disputed piece of land.

The attackers, who allegedly used machetes, hacked the victims repeatedly leaving some unconscious. They were later rushed to Acholi-Pii Health Centre III in Pader Sub-county.

The injured children were Richard Kilama, 10, Sam Onek, 13, Peter Opio, 13, Patrick Ocen, 13, Patrick Otare, 10, and Okello Ocii, 10.

Eye witnesses said the scuffle erupted after Mr Alex Ojera, the father of the children, went to the well with his children to find out why they (his children) were turned away from the water point, located on a piece of land he claims is his.

On arrival at the well, they were blocked by people purportedly tasked to watch over the well, but as Mr Ojera’s family members resisted, the attackers started hacking them indiscriminately.

Mr Ojera and Mr Paul Tito Okidi have reportedly been battling over the piece of land since their return from the camps, an issue already before court.

In response, three grass-thatched houses belonging to Mr Okidi, who allegedly ordered the attackers to protect ‘his land’, were set ablaze by a mob.

The Pader District police commander Mr Ambrose Sabiti confirmed the incident, saying the law would take its course.

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