By Marvin Ocol

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Martins Okoth Ochola has mourned an officer murdered by unknown assailants last evening.

Sgt. Gideon Emuria was attacked and shot dead by unknown assailants at Maroon quarters while heading for his guard duties at the residence of Justice Alex Makayi Ajiji, of Gulu High Court.

The assailants escaped from the scene with his gun.

According to East Kyoga Police Spokesperson ASP Osca Ageca, “Our standby and rapid teams responded to the incident and cordoned off the scene, which was thoroughly documented. We in addition, reviewed the facts surrounding the incident and a serious manhunt for the suspects has already began, based on the available leads.”

In a statement, the IGP has mourned Sgt Emuria.

“At this moment, the IGP and the entire police fraternity, mourn the loss of Sgt. Emuria, who had dedicated his life to serving the public. Our thoughts and prayers go to his immediate family, friends and relatives,” the IGP is quoted by ASP Ageca to have said.

According to the IGP, guard duties are one of the cardinal functions of the police, “and there is absolutely, no reason for such senseless acts of violence against officers. Although the motive of the assailants is not yet determined, we believe this was a targeted murder.”

The police has assured the public that the perpetrators of last night’s murder will be captured.

“We want to assure the public that we are doing everything within our means to identify the suspects for arrest. All persons involved will be held accountable and brought to justice. You must all remember that the suspects are armed and dangerous, the public is warned against approaching them. They are instead advised to ring the police 112 or 999 for any information that can lead to the recovery of the gun and arrest of the culprits,” part of Ageca’s statement reads.