The Territorial Police in Apac district, is actively investigating two separate incidents of aggravated child torture, where two young male juveniles aged 6 and 10, were tortured by their parents, under very avoidable circumstances. The first incident of child torture occurred on the 28.09.2022, at around 8pm, where a one Okello Bernard, a 28-year peasant of Abuga village, Apoi sub-county in Apac district, returned home and found when his son, Ocama Rodgers, aged 6, had consumed vegetable soup, that was reserved for supper. His father who had separated with his mum, became annoyed and tied both hands of the victim with a rope, wrapped then in dry grass, set fire and burnt the hands of the victim. The victim was rushed to Apac Main Hospital and on treatment.

The second incident of child torture, occurred on the 29.09.2022, at around 1pm, when Ogwang Nelson, a 42-year-old peasant of Ajoadoko “B” cell Alworoceng Parish, Ibuje sub county in Apac district, bought fish for the family and went for drinking. He left the victim with his step mother, Aol Caroline. The father returned home and found when the food which had been reserved for him, was eaten by his son, Adok Justine, a 10 year old, male juvenile. The step-mother, had tied both his hands and legs with a rope. They both (father and step-mother) started torturing the victim to the extent of burning his body with fire. Both suspects Ogwang Nelson, aged 42 and Aol Caroline aged 48, were arrested and detained at Apac District Police Headquarters. The victim was taken to Apac main hospital for treatment and later handed over to the grand father for custody.

These two incidents of child torture and many others continue to indicate how young children are at great risk, even among their parents or parent substitutes such as step-mothers. Both victims were given harsh physical punishments including burning their hands, for stealing food. The parents would apparently starve the children and given them little food. The abuse and neglect, intensified after the two fathers separated with their respective mothers.

Keeping children safe remains a top priority for the police and we call upon the community to watch out for parents who direct their anger to their children, and tortured them, to alert the Child and Family Protection Unit or their local leaders for immediate action. The three parents are charged with Aggravated Child torture.