Apio Joan Faith, a six-year-old pupil at Jozan Nursery and Primary School in Soroti City East Division, has been gruesomely murdered
Grief and outrage over the incident have 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 only three days when she was found dead in the staff pit-latrine.The school matron, Ms. Osula Adong, who discovered her lifeless body, described the scene in distressing detail.
Apio’s mother, Ms Eveline Akol, a midwife at Magoro Health Centre III in Katakwi District, fainted upon learning of her daughter’s death.
“My daughter Apio is a twin, and I had delivered her and her sister Acen just two days before this tragedy,” she lamented, going on to express sad regret over sending Apio to boarding school and criticizing the administration for failing to notify her promptly.
Many parents voiced frustration over the school’s safety record, citing previous incidents that had raised alarms about the well-being of students.Several school authorities, including the proprietor, Mr. Joseph Okedi, the headteacher, and the matron, have been detained to participate in the 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.
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.
“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 the culprits are found.
