By Aaron Sseruyigo
LIRA – He convinced his family and neighbours to take their children out school, shun work, sell their valuables and prepare a meal together at his home – as they wait for the end of the world which he says will be this October.
Police have launched investigations into (a one) Alex Okello, a resident of Akwo village in Lira district who calls himself Jesus Christ.
Okello says he went to heaven and God sent him back on earth to announce the end of the world.
According to a report by the Daily Monitor, 14 people were arrested on Monday after heavily armed police officers led by the officer in charge Barr Police Station, Mr Robert Tobby Agwech, raided Okello’s camp.
It was at this point that the leader fled, Mr Agwech said. The suspects, at least three female and 11 male youth between the ages of 18 and 20 have since refused to talk.
Police told the news daily they found dozens of elderly people, children and youth cooking and eating at Okello’s home.
“We arrested his father and other relatives. However they have all refused to talk and we have not yet recorded their statements,” Mr Agwech was quoted as saying.
Lira District Police Commander, Mr Joel Tubanone remarked: “Right now I am going to the place to find out about this man who calls himself Jesus.”
The chairman LC3 of Barr Sub-county, Mr Tom Edward Lemo, told the Daily Monitor the group that called themselves “Jesus Hammer” has been in the area for a long time and their numbers were increasing day by day.
“We are taking this matter very seriously because we don’t want what happened in Kanungu to happen here again,” Mr Lemo said.
