Police in Aswa West have taken into custody Lance Corporal Opio Lovis, also known as Akena Gabriel, a soldier serving with the 51 Infantry Battalion in Kween District.
He has been apprehended on charges of aggravated torture involving his own 10-year-old son, Ojwok Brian, a pupil at Barlyek Primary School, Awach Subcounty, Abim District.
According to gathered information, the incident occurred on August 24, 2023, around 9 a.m.
Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson says the suspect confronted his son at a borehole after the child’s delay in fetching water. The father purportedly emptied the water his son had collected onto his face before ordering him to return home.
He further explains that upon their return, the child was subjected to physical caning, followed by the father’s use of a knife to cut the victim’s toe and inflict injuries on his feet. The situation escalated further as the father reportedly forced his son’s feet into a fire, resulting in burns.
The 10-year-old victim was promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention, while the father was apprehended and is currently held in police custody.
Enanga says the detained soldier will face charges related to the aggravated torture of his own child.
Enanga has warned the public that aggressive punishment and torture are punishable offenses under the law.
” We therefore, urge the public to avoid taking the law in their hands and treating their children as property. 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 alert the Child and Family Protection Unit or their local leaders.” says Enanga