URN.on Monday some residents of Oyufi cell in Oluku attacked Ewa village in Ocoko torching the houses, looting animals, and destroying crop gardens. The attackers who carried machetes, bows, arrows, and clubs among others also injured five people.
Five people have been injured and over ten huts torched during clashes between residents of Oluko and Ocoko over a land dispute.
The disputed land is estimated to be over 30 hectares and is located in Acha valley bordering Oluko in Ayivu East Constituency Arua city and Ocoko in Ombaderiku parish Ajia sub-county in Arua district.
It’s alleged that on Monday some residents of Oyufi cell in Oluku attacked Ewa village in Ocoko torching the houses, looting animals, and destroying crop gardens. The attackers who carried machetes, bows, arrows, and clubs among others also injured five people.
Two of those injured are currently admitted at Arua Regional Referral hospital while others were received first aid for minor injuries.
Rev. James Ombanya a resident of Ewa village in Ocoko reveals that over 400 people attacked them on their land.
According to Alema Royal, the attackers attempted to shoot him three times with bows and arrows but he escaped and in the process, they made away with his animals and household items.
Alema explains that clashes over land started in 2013 until the matter reached court. According to him, the court ruled in their favor but the group from Oluko continues to disturb them.
But Steven Adia the LCI Chairperson of Oyufi Cell in Oluko says the clashes over the contested piece of land are being fueled by the rampant sale of land along the border. He insists that the contested land is on the side of Oluko but owned by people from Ocoko.
11 suspects have been arrested in connection with clashes and are currently detained at Arua central police station.
Geoffrey Osborn Oceng the Resident District Commissioner of Arua says the conflict over the said land is still in court and those who continue to cause insecurity in the area will be dealt with according to the law.
