By Mike Rwothomio

Territorial police in Ayivu East Division, Arua City, have launched a manhunt for two unidentified armed suspects following a brazen aggravated robbery that escalated into a fatal shooting, claiming the life of a bodaboda operator in a late-night ambush.

According to Police, the gruesome homicide occurred on September 27, 2025, in Ekaruku Cell, Micu Ward, under Ayivu Policing Division, when 32-year-old Natali Andima, a resident of Okabi Cell, Bura Ward, Aroi Sub-County in Arua City, was gunned down execution-style during a botched passenger pickup.

In a statement , the West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Jimmy Anguyo Baiga confirmed the incident saying , Andima had wrapped up his shift at a bodaboda stage in Arua City and was en route home when he linked up with fellow rider Adriko Robert, a resident of the same village. The duo detoured to Ajiriko Trading Center, where they stumbled upon a raucous "Local Derby" disco hall, indulging in several rounds of alcohol before Andima accepted an unidentified passenger hailing a ride.

SP Baiga added that Sensing his friend's state, Adriko hopped on the rear of the Bajaj red motorcycle registered UFR 275X to provide escort. Midway through the shadowy rural route, the trio was intercepted by two masked perpetrators wielding firearms. In a hail of gunfire, the assailants unleashed a volley at Andima, causing the bike to crash. The passenger and Adriko fled into the underbrush, abandoning the wounded rider as the robbers seized the motorcycle and vanished into the night.

Andima, bleeding profusely from multiple gunshot wounds, was rushed to Arua Regional Referral Hospital. Despite emergency intervention, he succumbed at approximately 0700 hours in the operating theater while undergoing life-saving surgery.

The incident was reported to authorities by Asedra Phillip, a local teacher residing in Ayivu Cell, Pokea Ward, Ayivu West Division. 

A case of aggravated murder and robbery has been docketed at Ayivu East Police Station. Crime scene officers (SOCO) processed the ambush site, recovering eight spent 9mm cartridges as key ballistic evidence.

According to police, A postmortem examination confirmed the cause of death as hemorrhagic shock from torso perforations.

"This cold-blooded execution underscores the rising menace of highway predation in our jurisdiction," SP Baiga stated in a press statement. "The suspects remain at large, but forensic leads and witness canvassing are yielding promising tips. We urge the public to report any sightings of the stolen Bajaj or suspicious activity."

SP Baiga Jimmy Anguyo, the West Nile regional police spokesperson confirmed the incident.

In the wake of the slaying, police issued stark warnings to motorists, particularly bodaboda operators to be cautious on who they transport.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot informations