Arua Diocese Crisis: 16 suspects taken to court
What you need to know:
One of the aggrieved parishioners rang the church bell, signaling danger, which attracted crowds later attacked and vandalized offices and residences of the priests. They also razed the temporary shelter where the diocese has been conducting masses
ARUA.
The suspects were picked among Thursday’s anti-bishop Sabino Odoki demonstrators, and are currently being kept in Arua court’s holding cell because charge sheets for their cases are not yet ready.
Unrest engulfed Ediofe Cathedral, the seat of Arua catholic diocese, after police on request of the prelate moved to evict parishioners who had kept vigil by the graveside of Bishop Emeritus Frederick Drandua since his burial three weeks ago.
Drandua was on September 7 interred inside Ediofe Cathedral, which is under renovation. Bishop Odoki had unsuccessfully tried to get the parishioners to leave to pave way for renovation works, until he resorted to police who acted overnight.
One of the aggrieved parishioners rang the church bell, signaling danger, which attracted crowds later attacked and vandalized offices and residences of the priests. They also razed the temporary shelter where the diocese has been conducting masses.
Police responded by firing teargas and bullets, but later sought military reinforcement to tame the surging rowdy crowd.
Shops in Ediofe, a busy western suburb of Arua Town, and its main Alengo Market have closed.
Security forces are conducting motorised and foot patrol, including in neighbouring villages.
