Two suspected attackers were killed following an armed assault on Tirangore Primary School in Torit County that sent pupils and teachers fleeing for safety on Wednesday morning.
According to sources, four armed youths from Chalamini and Murahatiha areas opened fire near the school, causing panic among learners and staff. No pupil was injured during the incident, but the attack forced the temporary closure of the school as frightened children and teachers abandoned the premises.
Torit County Caretaker Commissioner Eddy William Ponsiano appealed to neighboring communities to reject revenge attacks and embrace dialogue as a means of resolving conflicts.
The commissioner said he had intended to hand over the bodies of the two suspected attackers who were killed after an exchange of gunfire with pursuing Tirangore youth to their respective communities in Chalamini and Murahatiha for burial. However, he said the communities declined to receive the bodies.
“We need peace and unity among our communities; revenge will only create more problems and affect innocent people,” the commissioner told residents during his visit.
An eyewitness, Ohide Erneo, said the attackers arrived at Tirangore Primary School at around 7:00 a.m. and opened fire while pupils were attending classes.
He said the attackers were four in number and were identified by residents as coming from Murahatiha.
“The attack was very brutal, but by the grace of God, no child was injured, and no life was lost. God protected the children because pupils are always innocent,” Ohide said.
According to the eyewitness, after firing at the school, the attackers attempted to escape but were pursued by Tirangore youth, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that left two of the suspects dead while two others escaped.
“Attacking children is a crime. The school belongs to the government; it does not belong only to Tirangore,” he said. “We call on the government to intervene and warn communities against such acts.”
Hellen Illam, Chairperson of the Women Association in Torit County, expressed concern that repeated violence between communities around Murahatiha and Tirangore was causing trauma among children, women, and other vulnerable groups.
She said the attack on the school could discourage children from attending classes due to fear of further violence.
“When children experience attacks like this, they develop fear and trauma. They may stop going to school because they think another attack can happen anytime,” she said. “Revenge killing is affecting everyone, especially women and children. Many women are now living in fear and cannot freely access basic needs like firewood and water.”
The women’s leader urged the government to establish a security presence around schools in conflict-prone areas to protect learners and allow education to continue without fear.
“Education is building the future of our children. If children stop going to school because of insecurity, it will affect their future,” she said. “Children need to know they are protected so that they can concentrate in class and continue learning without trauma.”
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