Authorities in Koboko District have identified two of the three men who were killed by a mob in Abuku Sub-county on Friday, November 21, following accusations of involvement in repeated cattle thefts that have plagued local communities.
The deceased have been named as Habibu Suleiman, a resident of Maracha District, and Andama Goffin, 23, from Ceveni in Terego District.
The third victim remains unidentified. The trio had reportedly been traveling in a Toyota Hiace, commonly known as a “Drone,” when they were assaulted by a group of individuals in Diobe Village, Metino Parish.
The vehicle was later set on fire by unknown assailants.
Residents said the incident occurred around 2 a.m., after months of mounting frustration over nighttime cattle raids.
Swadik Toko, a resident of Manibe Village, said communities woke Friday morning to find the three men dead, with their vehicle destroyed.
“We have lost more than 200 herds of cattle to theft using vehicles. Every week there is a raid. The frustration has been unbearable,” Toko said.
Another resident estimated that the area had lost between 300 and 400 cows in recent months, adding that the lack of effective response from authorities had escalated local anger.
Community members reported that three cows suspected to have been stolen were found inside the vehicle before it was set ablaze.
West Nile Regional Police spokesperson Josephine Angucia confirmed that officers are treating the case as murder by mob and arson.
“Police responded to the scene, recovered exhibits including three cows and a national ID belonging to one of the deceased. Investigations are ongoing,” Angucia said. As of press time, no arrests had been made.
Koboko Hospital received the three bodies on Friday. Hospital administrator Abiriga Augson Alionzi said two bodies have since been claimed by family members, while one remains unclaimed.
“We will hold the remaining body for four days. If no one comes forward, the municipality will arrange a burial,” he said.
Among the deceased is 23-year-old Andama Goffin. His father, Catechist Thomas Aliga, confirmed his identity and expressed deep distress over the loss. Aliga noted that Goffin’s mother passed away in October 2025.
“I am now preparing to take my son’s body for burial,” he said.
The incident underscores growing tensions in the region as residents grapple with a surge in livestock thefts, often carried out using vehicles under cover of darkness.
Police have urged community members to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to report suspicious activities through official channels.
Authorities continue to appeal for information that may assist in identifying the third deceased man and apprehending those responsible for the mob attack.
