The Mayor of Torit Municipal Council in Eastern Equatoria State, Joseph Aye Joseph Oswaha, has alleged that members of the African Inland Church (AIC) are responsible for the death of their 49-year-old pastor, Peter Lokai.
Late Rev. Lokai was shot several times in the chest by unidentified assailants who went to his house in the Ifwanyak suburb in Torit on Tuesday night. He later succumbed to his injuries a few minutes after he was taken to the hospital for medical attention.
The incident happened when the AIC was set to hold its General Assembly which will be followed by the election of a new Bishop for the Eastern Bank on Friday.
Torit Mayor Joseph Ayee, in a no-holds-barred accusation, said elements within the AIC orchestrated and had reason to eliminate the deceased clergyman.
“There are rumors that came out that he had problems in the church. The pastor is in the committee and he is the Head of the African Inland Church in Eastern Equatoria and he is one of the best who was going to vote for the incoming Bishop of South Sudan,” Mayor Ayee alleged. “If you were afraid that this Pastor would stand against you and you shot and killed him, my friend, you will not get this position. In the absence of Pastor Peter, what he had prepared is what will succeed.”
The Torit Mayor said he was sure that the killing was not the handiwork of ordinary robbers but a well-coordinated assassination.
“I am sure this gun did not come from elsewhere, from any ordinary person. We have many thieves in Torit but they have never killed someone. They can steal but never kill. The killing of this person was planned,” According to Mayor Ayee. “There are no people identified yet but to me, I blame the church. I accuse the whole church and the committee formed, why do I say this? I say this, I suspect them and those who are contesting to become Bishops.”
For their part, the leadership of the African Inland Church South Sudan said the killing of Pastor Peter Lokai is not linked to the forthcoming General Assembly and subsequent elections.
In a statement released on Tuesday evening and seen by Radio Tamazuj, Bishop Andrew Wawa said, “The leadership of the African Inland Church South Sudan wants to inform the public that the incident that led to the death of Rev. Peter Lokai is an isolated case. It has no link or any connection with the ongoing 8th AIC General Assembly in Torit.”
He said the General Assembly would proceed as scheduled starting Wednesday as the police and other security organs investigate the murder.
Meanwhile, Major Justin Kileopus, the police spokesperson in Eastern Equatoria State, said, “As police, we get reports from different sources, including the people of the church. We have heard from the preachers, pastors and today we will hear from others.”
He urged the public to remain calm and allow the relevant authorities to do their work in bringing the pastor's murderers to book.