By Our West Nile Correspondent
September 21, 2025 – The West Nile Region was gripped by sorrow and outrage over the weekend following two horrific incidents: a deadly road accident in Terego District that killed two passengers and a brutal mob killing in neighboring Zombo District.

Authorities have launched investigations into both cases, urging the public to exercise caution on the roads and reject vigilante justice.

Overturned Truck Kills Two on Slippery Hill

In a heart-wrenching crash on Thursday morning, a white Fuso truck (registration UBD 411T) veered off the Owafa-Kubalal Road in Mbenzo Village, Paranga Parish, Olivu Sub-County, Terego District. The accident occurred around 7:17 a.m. as the vehicle, en route from Arua to Kubala Market, crested the Ofudurua Hill loaded with market traders and their goods.

According to a police press statement, the unidentified driver lost control while descending the slope, causing the truck to overturn. Two passengers died instantly at the scene, while two others were rushed to Oriajini Hospital in critical condition. The victims were identified as Abas Majid, a 30-year-old businessman from Enyau Cell, Kenya Ward in Arua City, and Juma, whose full details remain unconfirmed.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the truck flipped, scattering luggage and traders across the hillside. “It happened so fast—one moment we were chatting about the market prices, and the next, everything was upside down,” said a surviving trader who wished to remain anonymous.

The driver and his turn boy fled the scene and remain at large. Police have appealed for public tips on their whereabouts, promising swift action upon any leads. Preliminary findings point to recklessness by the driver as the primary cause, with investigators noting the vehicle’s heavy load and the treacherous hill conditions.

Territorial Police Sergeant No. 35681 Bondi Jondi and his team processed the scene, documenting evidence and sketching the wreckage. The truck remains at the site awaiting breakdown services. In a stern advisory, officers reminded motorists to avoid overloading vehicles, adhere to speed limits, and respect road signs, especially on hilly terrains. “Our roads demand vigilance from everyone—traders, drivers, and fellow users alike,” the statement emphasized.

This incident adds to a string of road fatalities in the region, highlighting ongoing concerns over vehicle maintenance and driver training in rural transport routes.

Mob Justice Turns Deadly: Peasant Beaten to Death Over Stolen Sheep

Just a day earlier, on Wednesday afternoon around 3:00 p.m., fury boiled over in Angasi Village, Angar Parish, Alangi Sub-County, Zombo District, culminating in the lynching of a 24-year-old man. Amina Brian, a Kebu tribesman and local peasant residing in the village, was chased and beaten to death by enraged residents after allegedly stealing and slaughtering a sheep belonging to a neighbor, Neema, from nearby Lyanga Village.

Police reports detail how Amina was pursued from the theft site back to his home, where a mob descended upon him with sticks and other improvised weapons. Despite pleas from family members, the assault proved fatal. His body was later transported to Paidha Health Centre III for postmortem examination.

A murder by mob action case has been registered at Alangi Police Post and transferred to Paidha Main Station. Officers from Alangi visited the scene, recorded statements from witnesses, and secured evidence. No arrests have been made yet, but a manhunt is underway for those involved.

“This barbaric act underscores the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands,” the police statement warned. “We will hunt down the perpetrators, bring them to justice through proper investigation, and ensure they face the courts if evidence warrants it.” Authorities reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on mob violence, which has surged in rural areas amid disputes over livestock and minor thefts.

Community leaders in Zombo expressed devastation over Amina’s death, calling for dialogue and mediation to prevent future escalations. “Losing a young life like this tears at our social fabric—we must choose peace over vengeance,” said local elder Okello David.

Regional Police Vow Swift Justice Amid Rising Concerns

These back-to-back tragedies have intensified calls for enhanced road safety measures and community policing in West Nile. Regional Police Spokesperson SP. Anguyo Jimmy Bayiga emphasized proactive steps: “From overloading trucks on dusty roads to unchecked anger in villages, these incidents are preventable. We urge calm and cooperation—report crimes to us, not mobs.”

As investigations continue, families of the victims mourn amid a community on edge. The West Nile Region, known for its vibrant markets and tight-knit villages, now grapples with the human cost of recklessness and retribution. Police assure the public that updates will follow as leads emerge.