At least four houses have been torched and other household property destroyed in a revenge attack in Ayivu Division, Arua City in northern Uganda.

The attack followed the death of Richard Waiswa, 16, a primary six pupil of Kova Primary School in Arua. Waiswa was allegedly killed on Monday after he was caught having sexual intercourse by the relatives of the girl. He was beaten to death and his body was dumped in a swamp.

His relatives stormed the home of Wilson Buga located in Edovu in Arua and demolished houses, destroyed crops, and burnt down the whole homestead. Among the razed houses included three grass-thatched houses and one semi-permanent house.

Josephine Angucia, West Nile Regional police spokesperson in a statement said cases of criminal trespass, arson, and malicious damage to properties have been registered. She further notes that no suspects have so far been arrested following the revenge attacks.

Angucia further warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, saying it was unlawful and anyone found will be charged before courts of law.

“We urge the general public to always hand over such matters to police for proper action other than taking the law into their hands,” Angucia warned.

Marlon Avutia, mayor of Ayivu Division in Arua city acknowledged that there is a need to address the high rate of revenge attacks that are becoming common in the area. He further challenged the police to intensify community policing strategy so that the community understands the role of the police.