Spate of Tragic Suicides Sparks Deep Concern Across Lango Sub-Region

13 June 2026, 12:35 pm

By Moses Elasu

LANGO — A disturbing surge in suicide cases across the Lango sub-region has prompted local leaders to call for urgent community and psychosocial interventions. This follows three separate tragic incidents reported in Otuke, Alebtong, and Abim districts within the last month.​

Otuke District: 20-Year-Old Found Dead in Ogor Sub-County​

In Otuke District, authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 20-year-old Denish Amot, a resident of Anyalima Parish, Ogor Sub-county.​According to family sources, Amot who went on a drinking spree at a nearby Orem market Orreturned to his residence in the early hours of Friday, June 12, 2026. His wife, Mercy Auma, noted that her husband arrived around 3:00 AM, removed his shirt, and abruptly left the house again under the guise of going to ease himself.​When he failed to return by daybreak, a community search led by local area defense officer Calvin Oryem was launched. Amot’s body was later discovered hanging from a tree near his village.

Relatives indicated that the deceased had been heavily consuming alcohol prior to the incident, raising suspicions that substance-induced distress may have influenced his actions.

Meanwhile ,Police from Otuke Central Police Station have since retrieved the body for a post-mortem examination.

​Alebtong District: Domestic Dispute Ends in Tragedy​

A separate tragedy occurred in Ojul Parish, Awei Sub-county, Alebtong District, where 26-year-old Morish Okullu took his own life following a severe domestic altercation.​Reports indicate that Okullu returned home intoxicated and initiated a violent dispute with his wife regarding childcare and feeding grievances.

According to a relative, Tonny Otiti, the situation escalated rapidly, forcing the wife to flee the homestead with their child for safety.

Unable to locate them, Okullu reportedly threatened self-harm before hanging himself inside his residence. He leaves behind a widow and two children. Police from Awei Sub-county retrieved the body and handed it over to relatives following preliminary investigations.​

In response to the incident, the Awei Sub-county LC3 Chairperson, Sam Oyena Obonyo, expressed grave concern over the escalating suicide rates in the Lango region. He strongly implored residents facing domestic or psychological challenges to utilize local counseling structures and family mediation rather than resorting to self-harm.

​Abim District: Fatal Incident Tied to Marital Distress

​Meanwhile, a third suspected suicide was recorded over the weekend in Abim District.

Preliminary findings suggest that the deceased took his own life following acute emotional distress tied to alleged marital infidelity.​Local police continue to investigate all three incidents to determine the definitive causes of death.