A wildlife soldier was tragically killed on Wednesday when their vehicle came under attack by armed men along the Kapoeta-Camp 15 road in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria state. Four other soldiers also sustained gunshot injuries in the incident.
The vehicle belonged to the state government and was initially on a mission to greater Kapoeta but was en route to the state capital, Torit.
The deceased soldier has been identified as 40-year-old Michael Lobalu, whose body was transported to Chukudum for burial. The four injured soldiers are currently receiving treatment at Kapoeta Civil Hospital.
The press secretary of Eastern Equatoria state, Oringa John Godfrey, strongly condemned the attack and assured that the government would take all necessary measures to apprehend the culprits. Despite the incident, Oringa emphasized that the Kapoeta-Torit highway remains peaceful, and normal movements are continuing.
Speaking on behalf of the governor’s office, the press secretary stated, “We condemn in the strongest terms possible the attack on our vehicle at Camp 15, which was returning from a mission in greater Kapoeta. This cowardly act resulted in the death of one soldier and the injury of four others, who are currently receiving treatment at the state hospital.”
He further added, “We assure the public that the security organs are conducting investigations, and those responsible will be brought to justice. The situation is normal, and people can move peacefully along the road. We consider this incident as a severe act of aggression against government and civilian vehicles, as well as pedestrians.”
Highlighting the importance of free movement for all, the press secretary emphasized, “The roads belong to everyone, and no one is allowed to impede the movement of people.”
Juma Justine, the acting commissioner and executive director for Kapoeta South County, confirmed the incident and clarified that all the victims were soldiers. He stated, “The deceased soldier was from the wildlife department, and he has been taken to Budi. Another injured soldier is a prison warder from our area, and the other injured individuals are a police officer. These criminals are not from Kapoeta South County; they committed the crime in Budi County, specifically at Camp 15. Their actions have a negative impact on the services provided to the area.”
Justine urged the suspects to cease their criminal activities, emphasizing that such attacks hinder the delivery of essential services to the region. He said, “When these criminals shoot at vehicles on the road, it disrupts the transportation of drugs, water, and educational services. Innocent people using these vehicles have no connection to their raids. I implore them to carry out their crimes away from the road.”
Oreste Lopara, an SPLM-IO lawmaker at the National Transitional Legislative Assembly, expressed his frustration with the increasing killings along the road, stating that it poses a threat to everyone’s safety. He emphasized the need for the government to take decisive action, saying, “When people start attacking government institutions and properties, it becomes unacceptable. We are not safe as a whole. The government must utilize all available means to identify the criminals and bring them to justice.”
Lopara added, “If impunity continues, the situation will deteriorate. All stakeholders should come together to find ways to protect the people. When the governor or commissioner moves, they are heavily armed to protect the public. The revenue collected is for the public, and they deserve the same level of protection as top government officials, even when traveling in security vehicles.”
Emmanuella Natyam, assistant officer for the Christian Community Organization (CCO) based in Kapoeta town, described such incidents as traumatic for the local population. She called on the government to address the issue of insecurity promptly, stating, “The security situation, particularly in Buya land, is alarming. As a civil society, we must work together to calm the security concerns. It is the responsibility of the government to resolve these issues. If the government takes action to address this matter, it will greatly benefit the community.”
The female civil society activist urged the government to act swiftly to prevent the persistence of insecurity.