Gangs attack Zombo children’s home, causing millions in damage
“We are launching a hardcore investigation to bring these criminals to justice,” he said.
Zombo: In a shocking act of violence, unidentified gang members launched a destructive attack on Devine Mercy Hearts of Love Children’s Home in Mawa Cell, Omua Ward, Paidha Town Council, Zombo District, in the early hours of Monday morning.
The incident occurred at around 3:00 AM on September 8, leaving the orphanage’s windows and door glass shattered damage estimated to be worth millions of shillings.
Fortunately, no property was stolen, leading residents and local leaders to question the motive behind the seemingly targeted act of vandalism.
Geofrey Aliana Oryem, the LC1 Chairperson of Mawa Cell, confirmed the attack, stating that the perpetrators scaled the wall fence, vandalized the property, and fled the scene without taking any valuables.
“These criminals jumped over the fence, trashed the glass, and fled without grabbing anything. We condemn this cowardly act and call on the community to help stop such behavior. The law will catch up with them,” Oryem said.
Dr. Christine Mpora, Director of the Children’s Home, recounted the terrifying moment of the break-in. A visibly shaken Mpora said she was praying when the gang began smashing windows and doors.
“I heard bangs on the windows and doors. The kids were screaming and praying. I sensed trouble, raised the alarm, and the thugs fled over the fence,” she said.
“I even shouted that I knew who they were, and they ran. They didn’t steal anything just smashed the glass.”
Mpora noted that crumbling bricks at two corners of the wall fence suggest the assailants may have damaged it while fleeing, though this remains unconfirmed.
The Devine Mercy Hearts of Love Children’s Home, founded in 2014 and officially opened in 2016, currently houses 20 vulnerable and orphaned children. Dr. Mpora, originally from Kabale, moved to Zombo to support at-risk children.
“I came here to save souls, not to start conflict. I have no issues with my neighbors. Why target a home for children?” she asked, struggling to hold back tears.
When journalists from the Zombo Press Association visited the scene, detectives from Paidha Central Police Station were taking statements from residents. While an official police report was yet to be released by press time, sources revealed that three suspects had been summoned to assist in the investigation.
A new police sniffer dog has also been deployed to aid in the probe.
Dr. Mpora said the children remain deeply traumatized and will require at least two months of counseling to recover.
“They’re uneasy and terrified. We urgently need psychological support for the kids, and more importantly, security from both the government and local leaders to protect this home.”
Bruno Mananu Obomba, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Zombo, strongly condemned the attack and assured the public of a thorough investigation.
“We are launching a hardcore investigation to bring these criminals to justice,” he said.
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