Apac boda boda riders in fear as criminal gangs target them

20 October 2023, 7:50 pm

By Ivaan Olinga & Isaan Newton Abili

Several boda boda riders within Apac Municipality are currently living in fear following the emergence of a new crime wave within the dark spots of the town with them on spot.

It is reported that a number of criminal gangs locally referred to as “Owuwuk”, have set base in several areas such as Chegere-Cawente road, opposite Apac General Hospital, Center C, Akokoro road near Apac Municipal headquarters among other places within Apac Municipality. 

They operate during night hours starting at around 9pm, according to the report.

Geoffrey Ocen, the Apac Municipal Boda Boda Service Association defense chairperson, said some of the suspected criminals disguise as passengers, who then ask riders to take them to a particular destination before attacking their victim along the way.

Ocen on the other and elucidated that after the suspected criminals (Owuwuk) have reached their destination, they stop their victims, grab and immediately rob them off their belongings including the motorcycles.

Bony Ojok, one of the recent victims confirmed to Radio Apac that last Friday he was robed off a lumpsum of money after being attacked by these suspected Owuwuk criminals.

Speaking to our reporter, Nuwemanya Alex, the Officer In-charge Apac Central Police Station, said they are aware of the criminals, adding that they have so far apprehended two suspects in an operation carried out on Wednesday night adding that the search will still continue until all the criminals are brought to book.

He, however, warned boda boda riders against carrying unknown passenger especially during night hours.

Apac community recently during a security meeting held at Mayors garden attributed the escalation in the level of crime within the Municipality to laxity by the municipal authorities in putting lights in mostly dark streets in town.

They also blamed UMEME for continious power blackout that gives room to the criminals.