Tragedy struck Soroti Pharmaceutical College as a student lost his life in a harrowing encounter with armed assailants. Patrick Olinga, a 23-year-old second-year student, fell victim to unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle. ASP Edison Obukulem, acting as the East Kyoga regional Police spokesperson, reported that Olinga was fatally shot in the chest and succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
The incident occurred on Friday night, prompting an immediate murder investigation by the Soroti East Division police.
Accounts of the event reveal that Olinga was on his way to the Cloud-9 Club for Campus night when he encountered his friend, Benard Edonu. Their evening took a terrifying turn as two individuals approached them near Enuyu road, brandishing firearms and demanding Edonu’s laptop bag. Despite Edonu’s compliance, Olinga bravely intervened, leading to a struggle.
Tragically, Olinga was overpowered and fatally shot by the assailants, who swiftly fled the scene on their motorcycle.
ASP Obukulem emphasized the dimly lit surroundings as a facilitating factor, enabling the perpetrators to execute their criminal act undetected. The primary motive behind the attack appears to have been robbery, with Edonu being the intended target due to his operation of a mobile money shop in the vicinity.
In the aftermath of the incident, Olinga’s lifeless body was discovered at the scene, prompting ongoing investigations. His remains have been transferred to the Soroti hospital mortuary for further examination as authorities work tirelessly to bring justice to those responsible for this senseless act of violence.
