VIGILANCE URGED IN ARUA CITY AFTER FOILED CHILD ABDUCTION ATTEMPT

By Martin Anguyo
 
Arua City
 
Parents in Arua City are being urged to be extra cautious and security-conscious following a disturbing incident on Sunday morning, April 6, 2025 where a 16-year-old girl, Joan O'bania from Maracha, allegedly attempted to abduct two children from St. Peters Church of Uganda Awindiri in Arua City.
 
According to Alex Alen, the children's ministry coordinator who apprehended the girl, the incident unfolded when the suspect approached the children with an unknown intention.
 
"The girl told the congregation that, they are many in number practicing the same act and are being sent from Hoima district to various churches and Awindiri church was the one assigned to her. However, we are grateful that the children are safe, but we cannot stress enough the importance of vigilance in our community,” Alen said.
 
Rev. Grashman Abo Candia, the parish priest of Awindiri, echoed Alen's sentiments, calling for increased awareness among parents and guardians.
 
"This incident serves as a wake-up call for all of us to be more vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safety of our children," Rev. Candia said.
 
While expressing gratitude for the successful intervention, Rev. Candia also took the opportunity to caution the congregation about the importance of worshiping the true God.
 
"In these uncertain times, we must remain vigilant not only in protecting our children but also in our spiritual lives," he emphasized.
 
The safety of children remains a top priority, and collective efforts are necessary to prevent such incidents in the future. The suspect was promptly handed over to the police for further investigations.