LIRA CITY – In a heartening turn of events, a one-month-old baby boy who was stolen from a fellowship gathering at Mayor's Garden on October 11th has been safely recovered and reunited with his overjoyed mother.
The territorial police in Lira-City Central Division confirmed the successful operation, which led to the rescue of the infant, identified as Opio Job. The suspects, identified as Ajok Phiona and her husband, Okello Ronald, both residents of Oma A Cell, Boroboro Ward, Lira-City East Division, have been apprehended and are currently detained in police custody.
The ordeal began on the afternoon of Saturday, October 11th, 2025. The mother, Atim Gloria, 32, of Starch Factory Cell, had gone to Mayor's Garden for a fellowship event. During the service, an unidentified woman approached Atim and convinced her to hand over baby Opio so that the mother could go and praise God freely.
Trusting the stranger, Atim handed over her son, who was only one month and thirteen days old. Upon her return, however, the woman and the baby had vanished.
A frantic search ensued. Event authorities made announcements over the public address system, but the child could not be located. The following day, on October 12th, a distraught Atim Gloria officially reported the case of child stealing at the police station at 1429 hours.
According to a statement released by SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Public Relations Officer for the North Kyoga Region, a case file was immediately opened.
"Casefile of child stealing was registered, scene of crime visited. Statements recorded from witnesses who knew the reporter had a baby," stated Okema.
The police launched a comprehensive investigation, which included plans for public appeals via radio. Their efforts culminated in the tracking and arrest of the suspects, Ajok Phiona and Okello Ronald, from their residence in Oma A Cell. Baby Opio was found safe and was swiftly reunited with his mother.
SP Okema confirmed the recovery and the ongoing investigation. "The territorial police in Lira-City Central Division have embarked on investigating this case," he said, assuring the public that the suspects will face the full force of the law.
The community, which had been gripped with anxiety since the child's disappearance, has breathed a collective sigh of relief following the news of the baby's safe return.
