BY ALEX PITHUA AND MIKE  RWOTHOMIO

Zombo: Chaos erupted at Paidha Central Police Station when a group of youths stormed the station in an attempt to forcefully release a suspect from custody.

The fracas, which occurred on Tuesday, saw one individual, identified only as Derick, shot by a police officer.

The incident unfolded around 4:00 PM when the group arrived at the station to free Orom Innocent, a suspect who had been detained for allegedly assaulting a Congolese driver.

As tensions escalated, Derick attempted to grab a police officer’s gun, prompting the officer to fire two live bullets, one of which hit Derick in the leg.

Superintendent of Police Nelson Nahabwe, the Zombo District Police Commander, confirmed the incident, stating that the officer acted in self-defence.
“There was a suspect who was picked from the community on the charge of assault. Suddenly, a group of blockers stormed the police station to rescue him. They were fighting the officers, and one of them tried to grab a gun. The officer, in self-defence, shot Derick to protect the firearm,” Nahabwe explained.

Derick was immediately taken to Goli Health IV and later referred to Nebbi General Hospital for further treatment. Police further reports indicate that he is in stable condition.

The case has been registered under SD REF:38/11/06/2024 at Paidha Central Police Station. Orom, who was initially arrested for assault, was re-arrested and remains in custody.

Additionally, Robert Jakony, the 2021 National Resistance Movement flag bearer for Paidha Town Council and Chairperson of Paidha Black Angels Football Club, was arrested for allegedly inciting rowdy youths. He is currently detained at Paidha Central Police Station.

The LC III Chairman of Paidha Town Council, Innocent Geofrey Onega, condemned the youths’ actions, urging them to desist from attacking law enforcement and instead seek peaceful resolutions through community leaders.

“I appeal to the youths to involve leaders if they are dissatisfied with security matters so that they can be resolved harmoniously,” Onega said.