Richard Tabaaro, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Oyam District, has accused local leaders in the parishes and villages of supporting criminals in the area.
Tabaaro made these remarks during a security meeting at the district headquarters on Wednesday, stating that local leaders, particularly LC II and LC I chairpersons, often interfere with the law enforcement process by seeking to release suspects from police custody.
He also mentioned that, in some cases, these leaders fail to report crimes in their areas.
Tabaaro explained that when crime cases are reported and suspects are apprehended, local leaders often take an interest in releasing the suspects, particularly when the criminals are their relatives. According to the RDC’s office, reports show that certain local council leaders are neglecting their duty to report crimes because of their connections to the suspects.
Crime rates have been rising in Oyam District, especially in urban centers. The most common crimes include robberies, house break-ins, and animal theft. Despite these rising concerns, reports indicate that some LC leaders do not report these crimes to the police.
In particular, areas such as Acaba Trading Center, Otwal Trading Center, Loro Town Council, Aleka Sub-county, and Minakulu Sub-county have seen an increase in gang-related violence, causing fear within the community.
Although the police have not yet released statistics on the number of gang members arrested in Oyam District this month, local leaders and residents continue to express their concerns.
James Akwach, the LC I chairperson of Acaba Trading Center in Acaba Sub-county, Oyam District, stated that whenever crimes occur in their area, they promptly alert security officers.
However, he mentioned that the delayed response from security forces often allows suspects to escape and continue causing trouble in the community.
