A section of angry residents in Soroti City has burned and destroyed Jozan Nursery and Primary School in protest over the recent murder of five-year-old Joan Faith Apio.
The community expressed outrage following the adjournment of the murder case to March 20, 2025, by Grade One Magistrate Kibirige Apollo Kasuja.
Apio’s body was found on February 5, 2025, in a pit latrine at Jozan Nursery and Primary School, with her throat slit, leading to suspicions of a ritualistic killing.
Investigations led to the arrest of Suzan Vivian Ariokot Okedi (38), the school’s co-director and wife to Joseph Okedi (43); James Odoket (32), the head teacher; and John Bosco Obotol (24), a police officer and Joseph Okedi’s brother.
Also charged were the school cook, Valentine Opio (27); the matron, Adong Osula (34); and two juveniles whose identities have been withheld.
They all face charges of murder under Sections 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Act. Their first court appearance was on February 19, 2025, before today’s adjournment.
As soon as the court announced the adjournment and the decision for the suspects to appear remotely, angry residents spilled onto the streets, demanding justice for Apio.
Many questioned why such a serious case was being handled via Zoom instead of a physical hearing.
The residents responded by vandalizing and setting fire to several school buildings, including the administration block, dormitories, offices, and a food store.
Police intervened using live bullets and tear gas to disperse the mob, while the fire brigade worked to control the fires.
Looting also occurred, with the school’s chain link fence and property destroyed.
However, source within police say, several suspects have been arrested in connection to the looting and burning of the school.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the police by press time were unsuccessful, as officers were focused on managing the violent situation. 
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