Arua Police Recover Cement, Water Tank in Failed Robbery

(Arua) – A planned robbery attempt was stopped early Friday in Arua, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the tragic death of a third individual.

(Arua) – Police in Arua foiled a robbery attempt on October 25, 2024, in Onzivu village, Kuluva Parish, Vurra sub-county, recovering stolen items and arresting two suspects. The suspects, identified as Andama Musema, 39, a bodaboda rider from Pajuru Zova Village, Ayivu West, and Muzamiru Aryongi, 40, from Manibe Cell, Ayivu East, Arua City, were apprehended at the scene. Another suspect, who has not yet been identified, was fatally injured during the operation.

The West Nile Region’s Acting Police Spokesperson, SP Asea Collins, stated that the police were alerted to suspicious activity involving armed individuals unloading goods from two trailers transporting cement from Kampala to Arua City. Officers responded to the scene, where the suspects were reportedly unloading items from the trucks. Police fired warning shots to deter them, but during the confrontation, one of the suspects was hit by a stray bullet and later died from his injuries.

The incident is being investigated under CRB 231/2024, with police collecting statements from witnesses, including the truck driver, to further clarify the situation. Recovered items include 11 bags of cement, a large water tank, and motorcycles believed to have been used by the suspects for transporting stolen goods. The recovered items are now held as evidence at Arua District Police.

SP Asea assured residents that law enforcement remains committed to maintaining public safety and encouraged those with additional information to aid in the investigation. This stretch between Bondo and Odianyadri Trading Centers has been flagged as a hotspot for robberies due to poor road conditions, which slow down larger vehicles, making them vulnerable targets.