PADER–Locals in Pader district are living in fear following two consecutive raids by unknown gunmen.
The gunmen raided two places on December 2 and 3 and robbed items worth millions of shillings.
One of the victims George Ocira, 24, a resident of Alima village, Latanya sub-county in Pader district was reportedly shot in the right leg by the gunmen on December 3 at about 10:00pm as he tried to flee for safety.
The gunmen also robbed items worth Shs150,000 from Bosco Oryema, a local businessman, and another businessman identified as Richard Okwera was robbed of items worth Shs350,000.
The gunmen also robbed about Shs5 million from a cotton buyer identified as Cathy Alum, a resident of Paloda village, Oryang parish Pajule sub-county at around 9pm.
Police say that prior to the robbery, a man who claimed to work for an unidentified Community Based Organisation in Pader visited Alum and asked her about how she does her business. Another man later visited Alum and wanted to know how she keeps her money so that he can advise her on better saving techniques.
Patrick Okema, the Aswa river region police spokesman, confirmed the development and said two suspects have already been arrested in connection with the robberies.
He also revealed that the suspected robbers at Latanya used a motorcycle, UEO 200P BAJAJ red in colour as seen by the by George Ocira who is nursing bullet wound at Kitgum hospital.
The police spokesperson noted the armed robbers’ targets business people with money and Village Saving Group (VSG) that save large sums of money in their offices.
“We appeal to members of the public to be very cautious and vigilant as the festive season nears,” Okema said.
