Gunmen shot dead an African Inland Church (AIC) bishop on Wednesday evening during an armed robbery at his home in the Gudele residential area, a suburb of South Sudan’s capital, Juba, church officials said.
The victim, identified as Bishop Christopher Maring, was killed at about 7:30 p.m. when armed men broke into his residence while his family was inside.
Bishop Martin Moga, the deputy presiding bishop of the African Inland Church in South Sudan, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that four armed men stormed the house, held the bishop’s wife and children hostage and demanded money.
“The attackers broke into the house and gathered the family. They demanded money and went straight to the bedroom where they believed money was kept,” Bishop Moga said.
He said the children handed over some money, but the assailants were not satisfied and continued searching the house.
At the time of the break-in, Bishop Maring was away. On his return, he reportedly opened the gate, unaware that one of the attackers was hiding behind it.
“Immediately he opened the gate, the gunman attacked him without any question and shot him in the stomach,” Bishop Moga said. “When the other attackers heard the gunshot, they rushed out and started shooting randomly, killing him instantly.”
The African Inland Church leadership strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a deliberate and evil act targeting a man of God.
“Under the leadership of our presiding bishop, James Lagos, the African Inland Church in South Sudan condemns this unfortunate and criminal act,” Bishop Moga said. “We call upon the government of South Sudan to protect its citizens and ensure justice is served. No stone should be left unturned in investigating this murder.”
The church described the late Bishop Maring as a dedicated servant of God whose work focused on preaching, teaching and guiding the faithful.
“He was a true martyr who gave his life in service to God and the people,” Bishop Moga said, adding that prayers were ongoing for the bereaved family.
The church also urged security forces to identify and arrest the perpetrators, warning against continued attacks on clergy and civilians.
“We stand with the government and security forces to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” he said. “We call on our faithful in Juba to continue praying so that such atrocities do not continue, especially at a time when South Sudanese are yearning for peace.”
The killing has added to growing concerns over insecurity and armed criminality in parts of Juba.
Efforts to reach police for comment were unsuccessful.