By Derrick Omoding
Apio Joan’s brutal murder has sent shockwaves through the entire sub- region if Teso, sparking widespread outrage and demands for justice.
The 5-year-old pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School was found dead on February 5, 2025, with her body hidden in a staff pit latrine.
Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, stating, “We will leave no stone unturned, and those responsible will face the full force of the law. If justice misses a step, God’s wrath will be unleashed upon them.”
According to Okiding, Apio was slaughtered by a woman, and more shockingly, she was lured by a fellow pupil to the staff toilet, where she met her fate.
The young girl who lured Apio allegedly screamed “yesu” meaning Jesus when Apio screamed, and the murderer is said to have cast a spell on her to keep quiet.
Okiding’s words were laced with a sense of urgency and anger, “We will not tolerate such evil in our society, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served.”
The investigation has also uncovered allegations of possible ritualistic elements to the murder, with suspicions directed at the school’s proprietors, Joseph Okedi and Suzan Okedi .
Several leaders who attended Apio’s emotional funeral on 17th February, condemned the act.
Hellen Adoa Abeku the fisheries Minister, Minister Teso affairs Dr. Clement Ongalo Obote and the Kapelebyong district woman member of parliament Jacinta Atuto made an urgent calls for justice.
The community remains vigilant, calling for increased awareness and vigilance to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
As Okiding emphasized, “We must work together to protect our children and ensure that they are safe in our schools.”
Apio was buried at their ancestral home in Ateuso Village, Akoromit Sub- County in Kapelebyong district as thousands of mourners attended her funeral to pay their last respects.
The story of Apio Joan serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children and the imperative of collective action to ensure their protection.
