DANGEROUS NIGHT RUNS: ENZEVA’S POTHOLES AID HIGHWAY THEFT

By Onzoma Albert

Arua City

Enzeva in Arua district remains a notorious hotspot for highway robberies, with criminals frequently targeting buses and cargo trucks between midnight and 4:00Am.

The perpetrators take advantage of the steep inclines and pothole-ridden sections that force heavy vehicles to slow down, enabling them to cut padlocks and steal merchandise.

Unsuspecting drivers are vulnerable as thugs climb onto moving cargo trucks and buses while navigating the 2-kilometre climbing lane, dropping assorted goods and leaving accomplices nearby to collect the loot.

Hon. Cosmas Ayikobua, the LC 5 Chairman of Arua district, raised concerns during the swearing-in ceremony of district officials, urging stakeholders to unite in ending the robbery and looting in Enzeva.

“We have theft cases that are on increase especially the Enzeva stretch which has been a regional and international concern. Our goods are looted by our own children affecting the three sub-counties of Ajia, Arivu and Vurra which is a thorn in our flesh” he said.

Criminals have historically stolen electronics, building supplies and valuable household items worth millions of shillings.

Recently, two suspected members of these highway gangs were killed by the community. Poor road conditions, including deep gullies and potholes, force drivers to crawl, making them highly vulnerable to these ambushes.

Gore Gophine, the Arua District Resident District Commissioner, appealed to both community members and newly sworn-in district leaders to heighten vigilance and cooperation to combat criminal activities between Enzeva and Odianyadri trading center.

“There is vigilance from the community and I want to let the thieves know that the community is tired of them. For us security we are on a high alert and I appeal to everyone to cooperate with the security to report any form the thuggery taking place in Enzeva. We are equally tired of it and we shall work closely with the new leadership of the district to make sure that we get read of the thugs” the RDC committed.

Security agencies and the Territorial Police of the West Nile region regularly conduct intelligence-led highway operations targeting these criminal hotspots.

These operations have led to the arrest of suspects and recovery of stolen goods.

In response to repeated complaints from local leaders, businessmen, and bus operators, the 409 Brigade Commander has expressed intentions to establish a military detachment in the Enzeva area.

Travelers and transporters using the Arua corridor are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activities or highway incidents directly to the Arua Central Police Station through official Uganda Police.