Police in Lira City West Division have arrested 17 suspected panga-welding gangs popularly known as “Owuwuk” who have been terrorizing residents.
The suspects were arrested on Monday in an operation conducted by police in Lira City West Division in the areas of Tesobar and its surroundings.
Jimmy Patrick Okema, North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson said the suspects are yet to undergo screening and record statements.
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George Okello Ayo, the Mayor of Lira City East Division called for vigilance from the public. He tasked the local council One and Two Chairpersons to beef up security in the areas, adding that at the division level, consistent meetings are being conducted to maintain peace in the area.
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The arrest of the 17 suspected gangsters comes a few days after police in Lira City West division conducted a similar operation in the areas of Kamshwali, Te-Atat, Te-Dam and Te-Kulo.
In an intelligence-led operation conducted on Tuesday last week, police apprehended 34 suspects accused of being part of criminals involved in housebreaking, smoking opium, sniffing aviation oil, and robbing civilians of items such as phones, wallets, handbags and other valuables.
All the suspects were charged, paraded before the Lira High Court Judge and all remanded.
Solomon Okabo
Freelancer