AMURU – Angry residents of Kololo village Amuru Sub-county in Amuru district on Tuesday Sept 4 burnt a crane lifter truck after one of them was killed in the process of loading logs on to the said vehicle.
Ivan Bongomin, 26, died after a log of Afzelia Africana alias Beyo (protected tree species) hit him during loading at around 11:00 pm. The incident angered the residents who turned their anger to the Crane vehicle registered UAS 320Y.
Patrick Jimmy Okema Police spokesman Aswa river region confirmed the incident and said some suspects have been arrested.
Those arrested include; Bright Ayebale, Hellen Ashaba and Charles Ojok who according to Okema, will be charged with engaging in illegal trade of timber and criminal negligence by the driver who is still at large.
The case was registered at Amuru Police main station under SD 08/04/09/2018.
Afazelia Africana and Shea trees are the most endangered tree species in the northern region and West Nile in the area of Zoka forest as they are on high demand with log sellers. Recently the government suspended cutting of the two species of the trees.
