A 55-year-old man in Kitgum is in police custody for attempting to rape a 9-year-old girl.

Thomas Okeny, a resident of Gweng Ajut village in Pagen Parish, Labongo Layamo sub-County allegedly tried to commit the offense last evening.

David Opiyo, the LC 2 of Pagen Parish, says that the minor was sent to buy beans by her mother, Christine Aryemo, from a nearby market at around 5 pm. However, on her way back from the market, she branched at the home of Okeny, the suspect, to pick some mangoes from a tree.

Opiyo says the suspect then came with a big stick and stone to scare the little girl, held her hand and led her to his house, and only released her when he heard the voice of the girl’s mother who was already looking for her daughter.

Opiyo says the mother of the child called the local leaders, who arrested and took the suspect to Labongo Layamo Police post, where the mother and witnesses were asked to return today to make a statement.

Opiyo appealed to old men and women against assaulting minors and urged those who claim to be acting under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to stop indulging in using such substances.

He also encouraged parents to always report such cases to the police and not try to solve them by negotiating with the suspects.

A police officer at Labongo Layamo Police outpost who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not allowed to speak to the media confirmed that the suspect is in their custody, but said he could not divulge more details.

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Watchdog