A chilling case of abduction in Koboko District has taken a disturbing turn as kidnappers demand a ransom of Shs5 million for the safe return of a local resident.
Hamis Luje, 39, a resident of Mugujai village in Kuluba Subcounty, was abducted in the early hours of May 9 by unidentified gunmen dressed in civilian clothing.
The assailants reportedly stormed his home at around 4am, robbed him of Shs60,000, and dragged him across the border into South Sudan.
Police say the abductors, suspected to be members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), have since made contact with Luje’s wife, Grace Fikra, demanding ransom in exchange for his release.
The communications, made in the Kakwa language, have raised fears that the kidnappers may have close knowledge of the community.
He called for calm and cooperation as investigations continue.
The case, which has been registered at Busia Police Post in Koboko, is being treated as both abduction and aggravated robbery.
Security officials are working closely with their counterparts across the border to establish Luje’s whereabouts and apprehend the suspects.
The incident has reignited concerns over security along the porous border, where armed groups and criminal networks have exploited weak surveillance and limited law enforcement capacity.
Joint security teams have urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity that may assist in rescuing Luje and preventing further attacks.
The rise in ransom-based abductions in border regions has sparked calls from local leaders and residents for increased patrols and intelligence gathering.