Six-Year-Old Pupil Murdered and Hidden in School Staff Pit-Latrine
News of the horrific killing sent shockwaves through the school community. More than 500 distressed parents stormed the premises, demanding answers and hastily withdrawing their children, fearing for their safety.
Grief and outrage have gripped Soroti City East Division following the brutal murder of six-year-old Apio Joan Faith, a pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School.
The shocking incident has raised serious concerns over school safety, prompting authorities to shut down the institution as investigations unfold.
Apio, a twin, had been at the boarding school for just three days when she was found dead in the staff pit-latrine.
The school matron, Ms Osula Adong, discovered her lifeless body, describing the scene in distressing detail.
"We found Apio dead in the staff pit-latrine; her neck was deeply cut with a sharp object. I raised the alarm after noticing her absence, and we searched the entire school before finding her body," Adong recounted.
News of the horrific killing sent shockwaves through the school community. More than 500 distressed parents stormed the premises, demanding answers and hastily withdrawing their children, fearing for their safety.
Apio’s mother, Ms Eveline Akol, a midwife at Magoro Health Centre III in Katakwi District, collapsed in grief upon learning of her daughter’s death.
She expressed deep regret over sending Apio to boarding school, criticizing the administration for failing to notify her promptly.
"My daughter Apio is a twin, and I had delivered her and her sister Acen just two days before this tragedy," she lamented.
Many parents voiced frustration over the school's safety record, citing previous incidents that had raised alarms about the well-being of students.
In response, law enforcement officials have detained several school authorities, including the proprietor, Mr Joseph Okedi, the headteacher, and the matron, as part of ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding Apio’s death.
Deputy Resident City Commissioner Claire Ayipo announced the school's temporary closure until Wednesday to facilitate investigations.
"We have confirmed the death of the little girl and are actively investigating the incident. Security measures have been heightened to prevent further unrest following the community’s anger," Ayipo stated.
She urged parents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities to ensure justice is served.
Apio’s murder has reignited concerns about the safety of children in boarding schools, with calls for stricter security measures and greater accountability from school administrators.
As investigations continue, the community remains united in seeking justice for Apio Joan Faith.
Authorities have assured the public that those responsible for the heinous act will be brought to justice, offering a glimmer of hope in this tragic case.
