Fear grips Agago communities following suspected gang attack on woman

2 November 2026, 3:57 pm

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Fear has gripped Agago District following a suspected gang attack on a woman returning from church, alongside reported vandalism at Arum Primary School. Local leaders are urging police intervention as security forces intensify efforts to arrest suspects and restore peace.

Fear has gripped residents of Watna Village in Arum Sub-county, Agago District, following an attack on a 24-year-old woman, Alimo Grace, by suspected gang members while returning from church on Sunday evening.

According to Watna Village LCI Chairperson Okwera Peter, the incident occurred between 8:00 and 9:00 pm when a group of youths, reportedly armed with knives, attacked Grace and dragged her into nearby bushes.

The attackers allegedly threatened to stab her, but she pleaded for mercy, explaining that she was returning from church. She was later left unconscious after being tortured.

Grace was reportedly accompanied by her two young children, one of whom raised an alarm, prompting community members to search the bushes and rescue her. She was subsequently taken to Achol-Pii Barrack LCIII for treatment.

Okwera said the incident was not the first of its kind in the area. He linked the suspected gang, which calls itself the “Royal Criminal Gangster,” to an earlier incident at Arum Primary School, where books and learning charts were burnt, and a threatening letter was left warning of continued attacks.

He said the suspected group is believed to operate around Arum, Tenam and Puranga sub-counties, adding that residents are now living in fear and cannot move freely, especially at night. He appealed to security agencies to intervene.

Meanwhile, Arum Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Okot Sunday confirmed receiving reports of the attack and expressed concern over the growing insecurity affecting residents in the area.

He advised residents to avoid moving at night, called for police night patrols and an urgent security meeting, and confirmed that the matter had been reported to Arum Police Station and would be communicated to the RDC’s office.

Agago Resident District Commissioner Kidega Nok Nabinson said security forces had arrested two suspects, while 15 others had been arrested in Patongo.

He added that some suspects had fled towards Arum and assured residents that security agencies would act swiftly to restore peace and security.

Several attempts were made to reach Agago District LCV Chairperson Otto Wilson, who also hails from Arum Sub-county, for a comment on the incident, but he did not answer our calls or return repeated attempts to contact him.