Man Arrested in Amolatar for Burning Stepdaughter over shs200

15 September 2026, 9:47 pm

By Finellah Akullu Opio

Police from Alemere Police Station in Amolatar District fired warning shots during an operation to arrest a 41 year old man accused of tying dry grass around his 8-year-old stepdaughter’s hands and setting them on fire over a missing 200 shillings.

The primary suspects, Nickson Esongu (also known as Onik), and his wife, Dilish Akullu (the victim’s mother), are in custody at Amolatar Central Police Station facing charges of aggravated child torture and domestic abuse.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon at Epyel Cell, Epyel Ward, Amolatar Town Council, after Esongu accused his stepdaughter of stealing 200 shillings.

It’s reported that he summoned Akullu, obtained a bundle of dry grass, bound the child’s hands, and set them ablaze, causing severe burn injuries.

Local Council One Chairperson, Alfred Emong Adingi was alerted and immediately notified law enforcement.

While community members apprehended Akullu at the scene, Esongu fled into a nearby swamp and a joint search team of residents and police pursued him.

As Esongu attempted to double back toward his home, he ran into an advancing police squad, who fired warning shots into the air to stop him before making the arrest.

During an interview, the young girl who is a pupil of primary two class revealed that she endured severe daily abuse, routine beatings, and starvation at the hands of both her mother and stepfather.

She added that while her mother had two children with Esongu, he bought clothes for his biological children while neglecting her entirely.

Dillish Akullu, the child’s mother claimed that her husband was trying to “discipline” the child over chronic home thefts, maintaining she witnessed him binding the girl’s hands but did not realize he intended to set them on fire.

Similarly, Esongu admitted to the act, claiming he wanted to teach the child a lesson to curb stealing in his home.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that the victim’s biological father was previously killed in Nambyeso, Kwania District, in a stabbing incident allegedly involving Akullu.

Both suspects remain detained at Amolatar Central Police Station as police investigations continue.