Lagwai parish holds security meeting over rising crime cases

19 June 2026, 08:31

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Lagwai Parish residents in Pader District have raised concern over rising crime including theft, break-ins, and violence during a security meeting chaired by LCII Chairperson Mr. Oringa David, calling for stronger police action and community cooperation to restore safety.

Residents of Lagwai Parish in Pader District have raised alarm over increasing cases of theft, house break-ins, rape, snatching, and other criminal activities affecting their communities.

The concerns were raised on Thursday 18 June 2026 in Lacinga during a security meeting convened by the Lagwai Parish LCII Chairperson, Mr. Oringa David, bringing together residents and local leaders from the five villages of Te-Oryang, Te-Jingi, Lotyek, Dognam East, and Dognam West.

During the meeting, community members shared the security challenges they face and called for urgent intervention from security agencies.

Many residents accused police of releasing suspects shortly after arrest, a situation they said has discouraged victims and emboldened criminals.

Mr. Okwera Nelson, a resident of Te-Jingi Cell, Vice Chairperson of the cell, and Chairperson of Lukor Woddong Clan, said thieves have continued to terrorize villages, leaving residents living in fear.

He appealed to police to ensure that suspects are properly investigated and kept in custody according to the law.

Mr. Okwera also shared a personal experience involving his own child, whom he said he took to prison twice after discovering that he was involved in theft.

He urged parents to stop shielding children engaged in criminal activities, arguing that some parents contribute to the problem by failing to question the source of items brought home by their children and, in some cases, benefiting from stolen property.

Lagwai Parish Councillor Ms. Paska Atenyo echoed the call, urging parents to closely monitor their children and refrain from supporting those involved in theft and other crimes.

Responding to the allegations, Pader District Community Liaison Officer (CLO) Mr. Agwa Jimmy dismissed claims that police deliberately release suspects.

He explained that in many cases complainants reach agreements with suspects, accept compensation, and later withdraw their cases, leaving police with no legal grounds to proceed.

He also noted that many community members fail to follow up on cases at police stations, making it difficult to hold suspects beyond the legally permitted 48-hour detention period without sufficient evidence.

Mr. Agwa thanked the LCII Chairperson for organizing the meeting and encouraged all LCI chairpersons to hold security meetings every three months and invite police officers to educate communities on security matters.

He also criticized some local council leaders for careless handling of official stamps, saying this has facilitated livestock theft through fraudulent documentation.

He warned residents against rampant land conflicts and reminded the public that police bond is free and should never be paid for.

Speaking at the meeting, Pader Town Council LCIII Chairperson Mr. Kilama Fearless Wodacholi called for collective efforts to address insecurity.

He blamed excessive alcohol consumption for weakening community vigilance, saying many people are often too intoxicated to protect themselves and their property.

He revealed plans to support a bylaw regulating the operating hours of bars and betting centres, proposing that they open from midday to 11 p.m. to help reduce crime and social disorder.

Mr. Kilama also urged landlords and landladies to report all new tenants and visitors to local council authorities.

He advised that newcomers should present introduction letters from their previous places of residence and photocopies of their national identification cards to strengthen community security.

Mr. Okot Richard, a resident of Dognam West, expressed optimism that the meeting would help address the challenges facing the parish if the resolutions and recommendations discussed are fully implemented by both leaders and community members.