Police in Arua District have kicked off a manhunt for suspects who murdered the District Health Officer, Paul Bishop Drileba in Oyeku Village, ombokoro parish Ajia Subcounty.
It is said that at approximately 2:30 pm on Friday, Dr. Paul Drilaba, aged 55, the District Health Officer of Arua, tragically lost his life during an attack by a group of unidentified individuals.
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Drilaba, accompanied by his lawyer, surveyors, and workers, was on-site to demarcate boundaries of land he recently acquired in Oyeku Village in September this year.
During the exercise, an altercation arose when a local individual questioned their activities, leading to a violent attack by a group of over 50 armed individuals wielding machetes, axes, bows, and arrows. Drileba died in cold blood, and one surveyor sustained fatal injuries, while others managed to escaped.
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.
According to the regional Police spokesperson, Asea Collins, despite the tragic nature of the incident, it was noted that personal effects, including shs1.7 million found on the deceased, remained untouched, indicating the attackers were solely motivated by grievances related to the land.
He adds that investigations are underway to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the attack.
