Nyawalongo village in Mfangano West Location is grappling with heightened tension after an angry mob torched a local homestead in response to the mysterious disappearance of a five-year-old boy. The incident, which unfolded in the wake of the child’s vanishing on June 7, has left the community shaken and authorities scrambling to restore order.

The violence was directed at a local man and his family, whom villagers accused of practicing witchcraft linked to the child’s disappearance. In a dramatic escalation, four houses belonging to the suspect’s household—including those of his two wives and sons—were set ablaze by enraged villagers.

According to Deputy County Commissioner Samson Akatch, the situation spiraled after the suspect allegedly made a disturbing remark during the family’s search for the missing child. “The suspect is said to have told the family that the boy would not be found. This comment further enraged the community,” Akatch stated.

Fearing for their lives, the accused family fled the area as the mob destroyed their property in a frenzied attack. Authorities have since launched parallel investigations: one into the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance and another into the acts of arson committed by the mob.

Commissioner Akatch has strongly condemned the vigilante response, urging residents to remain calm and let law enforcement carry out their work. “While the loss of a child is deeply distressing, we urge the public to allow police to conduct thorough investigations. Vigilantism only adds to the suffering and undermines justice,” he said.

Local leaders and elders have also called for restraint as the search for the missing child continues. Police are appealing for information that could lead to the child’s whereabouts and help bring all responsible parties—whether for the disappearance or the violence—to justice.

This tragic episode highlights the dangers of mob justice and the urgent need for communities to trust in lawful procedures during times of crisis.