Two murder cases shock Pader district within hours

2 October 2025, 18:48

By Opiyo Denish Luis & James Patrick Odongo

Residents of Pader District were left reeling on the night of Wednesday, 1st October 2025, after two separate murder incidents occurred within hours in Paiula and Awere Sub counties.

In Paiula Sub county, 26-year-old Odiya Patrick, a resident of Lacur Village, Paiula Parish, was fatally stabbed at around 9:00 p.m. in what police have classified as a case of murder by stabbing.

According to preliminary reports, the attack was linked to a longstanding family dispute that began the previous day when Aketowanga Nancy allegedly assaulted Oyet Dominic, the deceased’s brother.

On the evening of 1st October, Dominic’s son, Okello Patrick, went to purchase medicine for his father and later joined Odiya in confronting Nancy over the earlier incident.

Witnesses say Nancy rushed home and returned with reinforcements: her mother, Acayo Grace, and her brother, Wokorach Geoffrey.

The trio reportedly intercepted Odiya along the Paiula–Pajule road, where he was stabbed in the chest and neck with a sharp object.

“I rushed out only to find Acayo and Wokorach standing over him as he struggled for his life. Moments later, he collapsed and died,” recounted Okech Bosco, a resident of Tokoto Central.

Mr George William Anywar, LCIII Chairperson of Paiula Sub-county, condemned the killing, noting that the deceased had been stabbed twice: once in the neck and once in the stomach.

“The suspects fled immediately after realising that Patrick had died. We call on the community to cooperate with the police so that these perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.

Police, led by the OC of Pajule and homicide detectives, collected blood samples from the scene, although the murder weapon has not yet been recovered. The body was taken to Pajule Health Centre IV for post-mortem examination.

In Awere Sub county, tragedy struck again just an hour later. Ojok Kenneth, a 32-year-old man, allegedly murdered his 23-year-old wife, Acíro Evelyn, at their home in Aluny Village, Atede Parish, at around 10:00 p.m.

The incident was first reported by the suspect’s father, Okot Justine, who later disappeared under unclear circumstances.

Local authorities, including LC1 Chairman Okema Paul Okot and GISO Otiti Bonny, confirmed the death after visiting the scene and immediately reported the matter to Puranga Police Station.
Ojok attempted to flee towards Lira but was intercepted at Puranga checkpoint following alerts from security personnel.

Investigators recovered a blood-stained metallic axe believed to have been used in the killing. Blood swabs were taken from the deceased, and her body was conveyed to Pajule Health Centre IV for post-mortem.

The suspect is currently in custody, and police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder.

IP Oloya Joe, Aswa East Regional Police spokesperson, confirmed both incidents and appealed for calm in the communities.

“We urge the general public to provide any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. Cooperation from residents is vital to ensure that justice is served,” he said.

These incidents have left residents fearful and questioning the rising number of violent disputes within the district. Authorities have vowed to pursue the suspects relentlessly and ensure they are brought to justice.