Editor
The territorial police in Rukungiri are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the lynching of 20-year-old Wilber Ariho. The incident allegedly occurred after he was accused of forcefully defiling a 16-year-old girl.
Reportedly, on January 16, 2024, around 07:30 PM, the victim, a pupil at Nyabushenyi Upper Primary School and resident of Kashanda village in Nyarushanje parish/sub-county, Rukungiri district, was at home alone preparing supper. Ariho Wilber, the deceased, along with Ezra Ekyorikunda, reportedly entered her home.
Ariho Wilber seized her with the assistance of Ekyorikunda Ezra, who covered the victim’s mouth with his hand. They then took her to a valley with dense bushes in Nyakahanga cell.
Subsequently, Ariho Wilber allegedly engaged in a sexual act with the victim while Ekyorikunda Ezra held her hands. After the assault, the victim managed to escape and returned home, where she disclosed the incident.
Word of the incident spread throughout the village, and on the morning of January 17, 2024, locals hunted down the two suspects. They were subjected to severe beatings, resulting in Ariho Wilber succumbing to his injuries.
The area chairperson, Ndyamuhika, informed the police, and cases of defilement and murder by mob were officially reported at Rubabo police station. One suspect, Ezra Ekyorikunda, was rescued from the mob and subsequently arrested. The body of Ariho Wilber was transported to Kisizi Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination.
The investigation is ongoing.
