School director’s wife arrested in pupil’s ritual murder probe

14 February 2025, 6:15 pm

By Onapa Samie

The murder of Apio Joan Faith, a six-year-old pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School in Soroti City East Division, has led to the arrest of Suzan Vivian Okedi, the wife of the school’s director, as investigations into the suspected ritual killing continue.

East Kyoga Region Police Commander (RPC) Damalie Nachuha confirmed the arrest on Monday, adding that Ms. Okedi was taken into custody alongside her brother, who was apprehended at the school premises.

Their arrest brings the total number of suspects in police custody to five.

Jozan Nursery and Primary School has since been closed and sealed off by the police, as authorities believe key evidence related to the incident may be found within the school.

The school matron, Ms. Osula Adong, discovered Apio’s lifeless body in distressing circumstances. Her throat had been cut, and her body was found locked inside the staff pit latrine.

“We found Apio dead in the staff pit latrine; her neck was deeply cut with a sharp object. I raised the alarm after noticing her absence, and we searched the entire school before finding her body,” Ms. Adong recounted.

RPC Nachuha assured the public that the police are diligently gathering more evidence to ensure justice is served. She urged patience as investigations continue.

“This is a sensitive case, and we are working closely with forensic experts to uncover the truth. The public should remain calm as we handle this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” Nachuha stated.

Apio, a twin, had only spent three days in the school’s boarding section before she was found dead under horrifying circumstances.

As investigations continue, the police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in establishing the motive behind Apio’s killing and identifying all those responsible.