By Mike Rwothomio
 
Zombo
 
Police in Arua District are having in custody Richard Abindu, 38, over allegations of defiling a 4- year- old minor, at Rivu village, Kuluva Parish, Arua District.
 
Abindu is a resident of the Rivu village, Kuluva Parish, Arua District.
 
The incident was brought to the attention of local leaders by the victim's mother Eunice Ejeku, a resident of Arivu village, who raised alarm on Septemebr 19, 2024 after she found her daughter in an unconscious state at the resident of the suspect, who is her neighbor.
 
Community then responded swiftly, arrested the suspect and handed him over to police officers from Arua Vurra Station. He was later taken for treatment after irate residents pounced on him.
 
Police said in a statement that the victim was rushed to a nearby health facility for treatment, as they intensify inquest into the case.
 
"The event was brought to the attention of local authorities by Ejeku Eunice, a 52-year-old peasant farmer and resident of Arivu Village. Ms. Ejeku left her four-year-old daughter, Christine not the real name at home while she attended to errands in the nearby trading center. Upon returning, she heard her daughter crying for help from within the residence of a neighbor, Abindu Richard, a 38-year-old peasant farmer residing in the same village.
 
Concerned community members quickly responded to the alarm raised by Ms. Ejeku. Upon their arrival, they were able to gain access to the location, where they discovered the victim in a vulnerable state, prompting an immediate outcry for justice" Police statement reads in part.
 
The crime scene was visited, documentation done and relevant evidence was gathered.
 
Collins Asea, the acting police spokesperson for the West Nile region, said a case of aggravated defilement has been registered against the suspect. 
 
“A formal case of aggravated defilement has been opened, reflecting the seriousness with which this matter is being treated by local authorities “Asea said in a statement, assuring Community “all necessary measures will be taken to investigate this incident thoroughly and uphold justice"
 
 Police have urged community members to remain vigilant and "report any suspicious activities to maintain a safe environment for all"