Archival Sense
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- Dec 16, 2025
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(Photo courtesy of New Vision)
Police in Pader District have launched a manhunt for a 38 year old woman accused of pouring petrol on her five year old nephew's hands and setting them ablaze after accusing him of stealing a sweet and opening a bottle of soda.
The suspect, identified as Mercy Ajok, allegedly committed the attack on July 31 at her home in Rackoko Village, Lunyili Subcounty, where she had been caring for the orphaned boy.
According to Rackoko Village LC1 chairperson Jimmy Ojok Omot, local leaders were alerted after receiving reports that Ajok was secretly treating the child's injuries instead of taking him to a health facility.
When questioned, Ajok reportedly claimed the boy had stolen a piece of candy and opened a bottle of soda. However, the child told local leaders he had only been chewing a sweet and had not opened the soda.
The boy further alleged that his aunt poured petrol on both his hands before lighting them with a match, leaving him with severe burns.
The incident was reported to Awere Police Station, but by the time officers arrived to arrest the suspect, she had reportedly fled on a motorcycle and has remained in hiding.
The child has since been transferred to Lira for specialised medical treatment.
Ajok's landlord, Campbell Otim, told local leaders he had repeatedly witnessed the suspect abusing the child. He alleged that she often denied the boy food and subjected him to persistent mistreatment.
Local leaders said the suspect was last seen on August 4 in Lutiono Village, Awere Sub-county, and have appealed to residents to report any information that could lead to her arrest.
Pader District Police Commander Jackson Bogere confirmed the incident, saying detectives have opened a case of aggravated torture and are actively pursuing the suspect.
Police have urged anyone with information on Ajok's whereabouts to report to the nearest police station as investigations continue.
NewVision Reports
