Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-04-08 03:03:56
A tragic incident occurred in Kaabong district, northern Uganda, where a bomb explosion resulted in the death of two children and the injury of two others. The victims, Ayollo Lokutai and Lokoel Komol, aged 13 and 12 respectively, lost their lives in the explosion. Meri Lomonyang, aged 9, and Meri Lokiditoi sustained minor injuries in the incident. All four children were students at Kakamar primary school.
The unfortunate event took place on a Saturday afternoon when the boys ventured out from their homes to cut trees for fencing the goat’s kraal. While in Nakituriket village in Kakamar sub-county, they came across an abandoned bomb. Ayollo, the eldest among them, picked up the bomb and began playing with it, hitting the base of a tree, with Komol watching closely. Meanwhile, Lomonyang and Lokiditoi were at a distance cutting another tree when the explosive device went off, instantly killing Ayollo and Komol.
Meri Jino, the LC V chairperson of Kaabong district, expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. He mentioned that security forces were informed, and a team of police detectives visited the scene for investigation and management. The bodies of the deceased children were taken to Kaabong hospital for postmortem, while the two injured pupils received medical treatment. Jino highlighted the increased risk of explosive devices in the region due to ongoing security operations against cattle rustlers.
In his plea to the local community, Jino emphasized the importance of being vigilant and avoiding the handling of suspicious metallic objects that could potentially be explosive devices. He urged individuals to report any such findings to the authorities promptly to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance in conflict-affected areas. It underscores the need for continuous efforts to educate and raise awareness among communities about the risks associated with these remnants of war. Additionally, proper disposal and clearance of explosive remnants are essential to safeguard the lives and well-being of individuals, especially children who are the most vulnerable to such hazards.
As the community mourns the loss of two young lives and prays for the swift recovery of the injured children, it is crucial to heed the call for vigilance and caution in handling potentially hazardous materials. Through collective efforts and cooperation with authorities, tragic incidents like this can be prevented, and the safety of all members of the community can be ensured.
Read Original article on The Observer
