By Chris Woo
The police in Dokolo District are currently searching for five youths suspected of being involved in the brutal beating that led to the death of 25-year-old Olido Geoffrey. The incident occurred in Adeknino village, located in Adekinino Parish, Adekinino Sub-County, and has sparked outrage in the community.
The suspects, identified as Okello Denis (the youth clan leader of the Palamyek clan), Opio Allan, Ojok Aron, Oyee Solomon, Omara Tonny, and others who remain at large, are accused of severely assaulting the deceased after a report was made to Okello Denis by Olido’s parents.
According to police reports, on November 10, 2024, Olido Geoffrey allegedly stole a sack of simsim (sesame seeds) from his parents, Ogwang Julius and Alwedo Betty. The parents, upset by their son’s actions, decided to report the matter to the youth clan leader, Okello Denis, seeking discipline for the alleged theft. In response, Okello, accompanied by a group of other youths, took Olido Geoffrey to an undisclosed location on the evening of November 11, 2024, for what they described as “discipline.”
Olido was reportedly returned to the village the following day, November 12, at around 11 a.m., but by then he was in critical condition, having suffered severe injuries from the beating. His father, Ogwang Julius, immediately rushed him to a nearby clinic, but unfortunately, Olido was pronounced dead upon arrival.
In the wake of the tragic incident, Ogwang Julius reported the matter to the Adeknino Police Post. The police, led by the Officer in Charge of Adeknino Police Post, swiftly alerted the Dokolo District authorities, and a team of homicide detectives, along with Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO), visited the scene. A postmortem was conducted, and Olido’s body was subsequently handed over to the family for burial.
Superintendent of Police Jimmy Patrick, the North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, condemned the incident, describing it as “very unfortunate.” He expressed concern over the parents’ decision to involve the youth clan leader and his group in addressing a family matter. According to the police, the youth leaders had no moral authority to administer such a harsh form of punishment, which ultimately led to the tragic death of Olido Geoffrey.
The police have since launched an intensive manhunt for the suspects, who are believed to have fled the village following the incident. Superintendent Patrick emphasized the importance of community cooperation in locating the suspects and bringing them to justice. He also urged the parents of Olido Geoffrey to continue supporting law enforcement efforts in the search.
“We are committed to ensuring justice prevails in this case,” said Superintendent Patrick. “It is a painful loss, and we will do all we can to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”
As the investigation continues, the tragic loss of Olido Geoffrey has raised questions about the role of community leaders in resolving disputes and the need for proper legal processes in handling such matters. The authorities have pledged to take all necessary steps to ensure justice is served.