Moyale, Kenya| A quiet night in Butiye, Moyale Constituency, turned chaotic when a pre-dawn security operation left a 13-year-old girl seriously injured and her father abducted.
The violent raid, allegedly conducted by officers from the “Operation Ondoa Jangili” unit, has sparked outrage among residents and raised serious questions about the use of excessive force by security forces in the region.
The family of the abducted man, Adan Wako Jillo, is demanding answers from the government regarding his whereabouts and the motive behind the destructive operation.
A Night of Terror in Butiye
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, July 18, 2025, at approximately 3:00 a.m., when security officers reportedly stormed the home of Adan Wako Jillo in Butiye, a small town in Moyale Constituency near Kenya’s border with Ethiopia.
According to eyewitnesses, the officers used an explosive-like device—suspected to be a grenade—to forcefully break down the main door of the family’s residence.
The deafening blast and ensuing chaos left the household in disarray, with significant damage to property and profound emotional trauma for the family.
Lelo Adan, a 13-year-old Grade 7 pupil and daughter of Adan Wako Jillo, was sleeping in the living room at the time of the raid. The explosion caused severe injuries to her right arm, leaving her in critical condition.
She was initially rushed to Moyale Referral Hospital for emergency treatment but has since been referred to Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi for specialized care due to the severity of her injuries.
Reports also indicate that a nearby house was struck during the operation, though fortunately, no one was inside at the time.
Father Abducted, Whereabouts Unknown
During the raid, Adan Wako Jillo was reportedly abducted by the security officers, and his current whereabouts remain unknown.
The family, devastated by both the injury to Lelo and the disappearance of their patriarch, is demanding clarity from the authorities.
Family spokesperson Mzee Hussein Kadida condemned the operation, questioning why such excessive force was used and why Wako was taken without explanation. “The government must tell us where Adan is and why his house was destroyed in this manner,” Kadida stated. “This was not just an operation; it was an attack on a family.”
The raid has left the family grappling with not only the physical and emotional toll but also significant material losses.
Household items, including furniture and personal belongings, were extensively damaged during the operation, further compounding the family’s distress.
Community in Fear, Questions Unanswered
The violent nature of the raid has sent shockwaves through the Butiye community, with residents now living in fear of further security operations.
Many are hesitant to speak out, citing concerns about reprisals from authorities. The motive behind the raid remains unclear, and the lack of transparency from security agencies has fueled speculation and distrust among locals.
Moyale, located along the Kenya-Ethiopia border, has been a hotspot for security operations due to its proximity to conflict-prone areas and issues related to cross-border crime, including cattle rustling and smuggling.
The “Operation Ondoa Jangili” unit, tasked with curbing banditry and related activities, has been active in the region.
However, the use of explosive devices in a residential area has raised concerns about the proportionality and appropriateness of such tactics, particularly in operations targeting civilians.
Calls for Accountability and Justice
The family is urging the government to provide immediate answers regarding Adan Wako Jillo’s abduction and to address the excessive force used during the raid.
They are also seeking justice for Lelo, whose life has been irrevocably altered by her injuries. Community leaders and human rights advocates have joined the family in calling for a thorough investigation into the incident, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency from security agencies.
Local police have confirmed that an investigation into the incident has been launched, but no further details have been provided.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has yet to issue a statement, though pressure is mounting for the body to intervene and examine the conduct of the officers involved.
A Broader Context of Security Operations in Moyale
The raid in Butiye is not an isolated incident. Moyale and its surrounding areas have experienced heightened security operations in recent years, often linked to efforts to combat banditry, terrorism, and cross-border conflicts.
While these operations aim to enhance safety, they have frequently been criticized for their heavy-handed approach, which has led to civilian injuries, property destruction, and allegations of human rights abuses.
The use of explosive devices in residential areas, as alleged in this case, raises significant concerns about adherence to standard operating procedures and the prioritization of civilian safety.
Human rights organizations have long called for reforms in how security operations are conducted in border regions, advocating for greater oversight and community engagement to prevent such incidents.
A Family’s Plea and a Community’s Fear
As Lelo Adan fights for recovery in the hospital and her family searches for answers about her father’s fate, the incident in Butiye serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of aggressive security operations.
The family’s plea for justice and transparency resonates with many in Moyale, where trust in authorities is fragile.
Residents are calling for immediate action to locate Adan Wako Jillo and ensure that those responsible for the violent raid are held accountable.
They also demand support for Lelo’s medical treatment and compensation for the damages incurred during the operation. For now, the Butiye community remains on edge, grappling with fear, uncertainty, and a growing demand for answers.
How to Stay Informed
As the investigation unfolds, updates on this case can be followed through local news outlets and official statements from authorities.
For those seeking to support the family or advocate for justice, community leaders are encouraging residents to engage with local human rights organizations and report any relevant information to the authorities.
For further details on this developing story, visit trusted news sources or contact the Moyale Referral Hospital for updates on Lelo Adan’s condition.
Those with information about Adan Wako Jillo’s whereabouts are urged to come forward to assist the family in their search for answers.
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