Authorities in Chahari Payam in Ikotos County, Eastern Equatoria State, have apprehended a 22-year-old man suspected of shooting and killing a 50-year-old Somali driver along the Chahari-Kikilai road.
On June 16, a convoy of six vehicles operated by the World Food Program (WFP) was transporting food to beneficiaries in Kikilai. However, one truck became separated from the convoy and was ambushed. During the attack, the driver was shot and killed.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, Tito Abas Omoro Ohide, the executive director of Chahari Payam headquarters, stated that the local youth had been actively searching for the culprits. He added that the suspect was ultimately captured and taken into custody on Wednesday.
He is currently being held at Torit Central Police for further investigation, he said.
The killing of the Somali driver prompted the suspension of vehicle operations until the suspect’s arrest, causing a disruption in the transportation of aid.
Ohide provided details of the incident, saying, “On the 16th of this month, a convoy of World Food Program vehicles was travelling to Budi County. However, one of the trucks experienced mechanical issues and had to continue its journey the following day. Due to heavy rain and poor road conditions, this particular truck got stuck in the Chorokol area. The Somali truck driver and his assistants were attempting to free the truck from the muddy road when the assailant attacked and killed the driver. The victim was identified as Mohamed Mayo Isa, a 50-year-old Somali citizen.”
Ohide continued, “On the morning of the 17th, I gathered all the chiefs and emphasized the seriousness of this incident. I urged them to assist in locating and apprehending the suspect, identified as Mateyo Odura Lomute. I explained to the chiefs and youth that such killings in their community would tarnish their reputation. Shortly after, the suspect was swiftly apprehended. He had been residing in Mangala but was relocated to Lokwamoru after another killing incident in the area. He has since been transferred to Torit, where he remains in police custody.”
According to the official, the suspect obtained the gun used in the fatal shooting from his uncle’s residence. After the incident, he fled and became uncontrollable with his fellow youth.
Mowo Tom Lokudo, the chief of Ramula Payam, confirmed the incident and urged the government to address the criminal activities that hinder humanitarian work in various villages across the Ikotos region.
Lokudo lamented the lack of a police presence in the area, which allows criminals to exert their influence in the villages, stating, “The government is complicit in this situation. If a criminal is apprehended, they should be captured and publicly dealt with in their own area so that people see that the government is taking action. As chiefs, we lack authority, and the criminals in our region pose a threat. If you attempt to arrest them, they will retaliate, resulting in more chaos and lawlessness.”
Victoria Sadia, the chairperson for the women’s group in Ikotos County, expressed concern over the escalating violence caused by the younger generation. She called on the government to ensure that the suspect is held accountable for his crimes.
“As mothers, we are deeply saddened by these crimes and the havoc they wreak on our roads. For instance, the criminal who has been apprehended must face legal consequences. This approach will deter criminals from attacking innocent people on the roads. Failing to punish criminals in accordance with the law will only exacerbate the problem,” she said.