Grief, outrage, and fear 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.
Apio, who had only been at the boarding school for three days, was found dead in the staff pit latrine, her throat slit with a sharp object. The horrific discovery has sparked protests from parents and led to the temporary closure of the school as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding her murder.
Tragic Discovery
The school’s matron, Ms. Osula Adong, was the first to find Apio’s body, recounting the disturbing scene with deep anguish.
“We found Apio dead in the staff pit latrine. Her neck was deeply cut with a sharp object. I raised the alarm after realizing she was missing, and after searching the entire school, we found her body,” Adong revealed.
The shocking news spread rapidly, prompting over 500 distraught parents to storm the school. Many pulled their children out, fearing for their safety and demanding immediate answers from the administration.
Family in Devastation
Apio’s mother, Ms. Eveline Akol, a midwife at Magoro Health Centre III in Katakwi District, collapsed in grief upon hearing the news. She regretted enrolling her daughter in the school, especially since the administration failed to inform her about the tragedy in time.
“My daughter Apio was a twin. I gave birth to her and her sister Acen just two days apart, and now she is gone. I should never have sent her to boarding school,” she mourned.
School Authorities Arrested
Amid growing public outrage, police have arrested several school officials, including the proprietor, Mr. Joseph Okedi, the headteacher, and the matron, as part of their investigations.
Deputy Resident City Commissioner Claire Ayipo confirmed the school’s closure, stating that authorities are working tirelessly to ensure justice for Apio.
“We have confirmed the death of this young girl and are actively investigating the incident. Security has been reinforced to prevent further unrest, and the school will remain closed until investigations are complete,” Ayipo announced.
Outcry Over School Safety
Apio’s murder has reignited concerns over the safety of children in boarding schools, with parents demanding stricter security measures and greater accountability from school administrators.
Many parents claim this is not the first safety issue at Jozan Nursery and Primary School, with previous concerns allegedly ignored by the management.
Authorities have assured the public that those responsible will face the full force of the law. As investigations continue, the community stands united in seeking justice for Apio Joan Faith, hoping that no other child suffers a similar fate.
