By Mike Rwothomio
Police in Arua District are having in custody Richard Abindu, 38, over allegations of defiling a 4-year-old minor at Rivu village, Kuluva Parish, Arua District.
Abindu is a resident of the Rivu village, Kuluva Parish, Arua District.
The Sept. 19 harrowing incident was brought to the attention of local leaders by the victim’s mother, Eunice Ejeku, a resident of Arivu village, who raised the alarm after she found her daughter in an unconscious state at the residence of the suspect, who is her neighbour.
The community then responded swiftly, arrested the suspect, and handed him over to police officers from Arua Vurra Station. He was later taken for treatment after irate residents pounced on him.
Police said in a statement that the victim was rushed to a nearby health facility for treatment as they intensified the inquest into the case.
“The event was brought to the attention of local authorities by Ejeku Eunice, a 52-year-old peasant farmer and resident of Arivu Village. Ms. Ejeku left her four-year-old daughter, Christine, not her real name, at home while she attended to errands in the nearby trading centre. Upon returning, she heard her daughter crying for help from within the residence of a neighbour, Abindu Richard, a 38-year-old peasant farmer residing in the same village.
Concerned community members quickly responded to the alarm raised by Ms. Ejeku. Upon their arrival, they were able to gain access to the location, where they discovered the victim in a vulnerable state, prompting an immediate outcry for justice,” the police statement reads in part.
The crime scene was visited, documentation was done, and relevant evidence was gathered.
Collins Asea, the acting police spokesperson for the West Nile region, said a case of aggravated defilement has been registered against the suspect.
“A formal case of aggravated defilement has been opened, reflecting the seriousness with which local authorities are treating this matter,” Asea said in a statement, assuring the community that all necessary measures will be taken to investigate this incident thoroughly and uphold justice.
Police have urged community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to maintain a safe environment for all.
