The Speaker of the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly James Bage was shot dead in Yambio yesterday evening at about 8 p.m. while returning home, according to a senior state official.

Bage was killed by unidentified people and found with four bullets in his body.

A government official in Yambio told Radio Tamazuj that the speaker was ambushed but his bodyguard survived the attack and was able to recount what happened.

“I can confirm that the speaker of WES Legislative Assembly has been assassinated this evening,” said the official in Yambio, speaking on Friday night.

He was driving his car when unknown assailants sprayed it with bullets on Uze River Bridge a few kilometres from Yambio at about 8 pm. His bodyguard escaped and ran all the way to break the news to authorities and family.

“It was not until 12 midnight when youth were able to reach the site and found him dead in the car. His body is now brought to his house and the acting governor and other senior leadership are in attendance. May God Almighty rest the soul of the deceased in Eternal Peace!” the senior official said.

More details on the incident will be made available today, he said.