At least members of 33 households in Koch Goma Sub County in Nwoya district were left homeless after their huts were set ablaze in a revenge attack on Wednesday night
The victims are members of Punok and Amaar clans, whose huts were torched by aggrieved members of Aceng clan to avenge the death of five of their members who perished in a house fire on January 05, 2017.
The Nwoya District Police Commander Daniel Okello, says the violence was triggered by the release on bail of David Livingstone Lakony, proprietor of Hotel Davitine in Gulu Town and prime suspect in the arson attack.
Meanwhile, those picked up in connection to the fire include the Acheng clan head, Justin Olwedo, Martin Olwedo, Ben Okello and two others Ojok Pa Achiro, Ocitti Pa Obel.
The displaced persons have now sought refuge from their relatives and friends living outside Koch Goma Sub County as clan leaders hold mediation meetings to resolve the impasse.
According to Okello, the violence was to avenge the death of Acheng clan members.
Residents in Koch Goma trading Center, say this is a stark reminder of atrocities meted by rebel of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).
No injury has been recorded as residents say the owners of affected huts got wind of the impending attack beforehand and fled their homes before their attackers descended on the villages. Tension between the rival clans started on Wednesday evening when Justice Vincent Okwanga granted bail to David Livingstone Lakony, a prime suspect in the murder of five family members.
It is allege that Lakony and four others torched the hut in, which the family head John Kennedy Oketayot alias Wod Aceng perished alongside his wife Agnes Apiyo and three children Rebecca Lapolo, Jonathan Gumkura and Angel Lucky Laker
David Odong Kabende, the brother of Oketayot says his clan members were infuriated by the decision of court to release the prime suspect. He says they have restrained youth from continuing to cause havoc.
Odong says prior to his death, Oketayot survived three different attempts on his life. Rwot Oryang Francis Lagony II, the clan leader of Koch Gomah has condemned the incident, saying justice should be given a chance.
