Damascus Odongo, the Omoro district speaker was on Tuesday arrested and beaten by the community allegedly for attempting to steal mercury.

Odongo together with six others including a pastor and a magician were arrested at the foot of Awere hills in Ajan village, Odek Sub County in Omoro district. Others arrested include a medic identified only as Mark, a technician, a self-appointed chief identified as Chief Michael Okello and a police officer.

Their photographs obtained, show the speaker and his colleagues bare-chested being paraded before the community. 

According to Samuel Owor, the area local council one chairperson, the team said they were led to Awere hills by a spirit that told them there was mercury there.

Awere Hills is where LRA chief Joseph Kony launched his brutal rebellion against government that has claims thousands of lives and millions displaced.

Hassan Mugerwa, the Omoro district police commander confirmed the arrest of the speaker and his colleagues.

This is not the first time a high profile leader is being arrested in search of mercury in the area.

In April, 2013, Cyrus Amodoi, the former member of parliament for Toroma county was also arrested for vandalizing Awere Bridge in search of mercury.