Bakubari Village residents who challenged a group of violent youths were met with retaliation, as police confirm a criminal gang is now being hunted following attacks in Popondetta, Oro Province.
The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, confirmed on Sunday that police are pursuing those responsible for a serious attack at Bakubari Village, describing the violence as part of a series of reprisals against communities that resisted criminal activity.
“A series of incidents occurred after local people bravely stood up to these criminals and then faced reprisals,” Commissioner Manning said.
The attacks, which occurred in recent days, have unsettled communities in Popondetta and prompted a coordinated police response. While full details of the Bakubari incident are still being verified by officers on the ground, police say the violence extended beyond a single location and posed a direct threat to public safety.
“What these criminals did in Bakubari, and other areas in Popondetta, cannot go unanswered and the public is expecting swift action,” the Police Commissioner said.
Police have identified the group involved as a self-proclaimed gang calling itself the “Don’t Care Gang”, which Commissioner Manning said has now become a priority target for law enforcement.
“This self-proclaimed ‘Don’t Care Gang’ is a priority target for law enforcement personnel and we will dismantle that criminal gang methodically, surgically and to the fullest extent of the law. Their continuing disregard for the laws of our nation and assaults on the peace of our people will end” he said.
According to police, additional resources are being deployed to support operations in Oro Province, including targeted policing deployments and extra funding for provincial police commands.
Commissioner Manning confirmed police will use a broad range of legal powers to address the threat posed by the group.
“Police are employing a range of powers available to deal with the group, including powers under the Criminal Code Act and the Counter-Terrorism Act,” he said.
Drawing on previous operations against organized criminal groups, Commissioner Manning said police are actively tracking those involved and warned that arrests are imminent.
“We will deal with them in the same way that we have ended other criminal groups such as the Tommy Baker gang,” he said. “They are being tracked, they will be cornered, and they will have the option to surrender.”
He also issued a warning to anyone assisting or sheltering members of the group.
“I also warn any associate of this group that they too will face justice if they hide fugitives,” he said.
While condemning the violence, the Police Commissioner acknowledged the broader social concern of youth involvement in crime, describing it as “sad” but unacceptable.
“It is very sad to see young people turn to crime and violence, but police have our job to do and that is to put an end to the wanton violence they are imposing on our people,” he said.
Commissioner Manning called on community leaders and residents to support police efforts by providing information that could assist investigations.
“I call on community leaders to be proactive and inform police of any information they might have on the group or individual criminals,” he said.
Police say investigations into the Bakubari Village attack and related incidents are continuing, with officers in Popondetta still confirming details. Authorities have indicated further updates will be released as information is verified.
For affected communities, the message from police is that operations will continue until those responsible are located and brought before the courts, as residents wait for calm to return following days of fear and uncertainty.
