By Stephen Ojacor
Tensions run high in Soroti City following the heart-wrenching murder of Joan Faith Apio, a pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School.
The lifeless body of the young girl was discovered locked in a pit latrine on February 5, and the tragic incident has shaken the community, raising concerns about the safety of children in schools.
On Sunday, February 16, the community gathered at St. Immaculate Catholic Parish to pay their last respects to Apio, where Rev. Fr. Michael Omaria offered condolences to the grieving family, encouraging them to find solace in faith during this harrowing time.
The priest denounced the belief that the murder was ritualistic, condemning such practices as abhorrent.
As emotions ran high, thousands of mourners converged outside the cathedral, expressing their sorrow and solidarity.
Details of the Investigation and Arrests
Following increased pressure from the public, police intensified their investigations into the murder.
The Resident City Commissioner, Peter Pex Paak, addressed mourners, announcing the arrest of the suspects involved in the crime. He stated that they had confessed to participating in Apio’s murder and would soon face court.
“Joan’s murder was like a movie, it was smartly executed and several people plaid a role in killing her.” he stated.
Investigators revealed that Apio’s murder was a premeditated act involving seven individuals, which was orchestrated before she and her twin sister, Achen, reported to Jozan Nursery and Primary School.
A crucial figure in the tragic chain of events reportedly manipulated the twins’ mother, Ms. Evelyn Akol, into enrolling them at the school.
On February 3, Ms. Akol delivered her children to Jozan, completely unaware that she was entrusting them to murderers.
The investigation highlighted that Apio was brutally murdered on February 5, at approximately noon, inside the staff latrine, where she was reportedly lured.
Murder Process Inside the Latrine
Paak explained that an accomplice had been waiting inside the latrine for Apio. Another individual is suspected of drawing her in, while a third person was responsible for washing away the evidence immediately after the horrific act.
Allegations suggest that Apio’s blood was collected, wrapped in plastic paper black in color and handed over to a person who fled the scene.
“We are now chasing after the person who received the blood from the back yard of the fence and fled with it while wrapped in the black kavera”, Paak added.
The police have confirmed that all suspects are currently detained and have provided statements detailing their roles in the crime. Authorities are actively pursuing the individual who absconded with the blood.
Additionally, investigations revealed that the director of another school in Soroti had a role in convincing Ms. Akol to enroll her daughters at Jozan.
Suspects Arrested
East Kyoga Regional Police Commander, Damalie Nakyuha, confirmed the arrests of five individuals, including Joseph Okedi, the director of Jozan Nursery and Primary School, along with his wife, Suzan Vivian Okedi, and other staff members, including the head teacher, David Kadimba.
Nakyuha assured the public that more arrests were imminent as the investigation unfolds.
Joan Faith Apio, born on December 17, 2019, was tragically taken from her family on February 5, 2025.
Her family now holds onto hope for justice, as they prepare for her burial on February 17, 2025, at their home in Ateuso, Kapelebyong District.
The community mourns the loss of a young life while seeking justice and safety for their children in the wake of this appalling crime.
