Violence and Tragedy in Arua: Stray Bullet Injures Officer, Two Dead Amid Mob Unrest

A violent confrontation in Arua City on January 2, 2026, left two people dead and a police officer wounded, after a domestic dispute spiraled into chaos, involving a mob and law enforcement. The events unfolded in Ayivu East Division, where tensions erupted over a suspected murder, leading to a deadly sequence of violence and an officer being hit by a stray bullet.
According to SSP Josephine Angucia, the West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, the incident began in the early hours of January 2 when Jurua Scandle, a 28-year-old resident of Ojepi Cell, returned home with his wife, Opiru Gloria, following a New Year celebration. Around 3:00 a.m., a heated argument between the couple escalated into violence. Authorities believe Scandle strangled his wife to death before fleeing the scene, leaving her lifeless body behind.

The discovery of the body quickly led to a violent reaction from Opiru’s relatives, who rallied a mob in a bid for vengeance. The mob went on a rampage, setting fire to 15 homes belonging to Scandle’s family and destroying numerous properties in what authorities described as retaliatory violence. Police were deployed to control the situation, but the mob responded aggressively, hurling stones at the officers.

In response, the police fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd. However, during the operation, a stray bullet struck and killed 20-year-old peasant Otubo from Odrovu Cell. Tragically, the bullet also hit Police Constable Wadri William in the stomach, injuring him severely. He was rushed to Arua Regional Referral Hospital, where he is receiving medical attention.

The investigation into the violent events continued, with police recovering 13 spent cartridges at the scene for ballistic analysis. Both the bodies of Opiru Gloria and Otubo were transferred to Arua City mortuary for postmortem exams. Meanwhile, police are still searching for the prime suspect, Jurua Scandle, who remains at large, and no arrests have been made thus far. The authorities are working under Ayivu East Division reference CRB 001/2026.
The police condemned the escalation of domestic violence into murder and mob justice, stressing that such actions would not go unpunished. SSP Angucia urged the public to resolve disputes through legal means rather than resorting to violent retaliation. The police further warned that all those involved in the mob actions will be arrested and prosecuted as investigations unfold.

This tragic episode highlights the destructive power of mob justice and the importance of maintaining order, especially in situations where emotions run high. The residents of Arua City are left grieving and searching for answers as the investigation progresses and justice is sought for the lives lost in this horrific ordeal.