By Emelda Siama John Lopula
Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) Bishop, in Central Equatoria State Internal Province, survived an ambush by armed men in Morobo, county authorities said.
Rev. Amos Data, bishop of Morobo Diocese was on 5th June 2023 ambushed by gunmen, about 34 miles between Bazi and Morobo County Headquarter and his car set ablaze.
Morobo County Commissioner Joseph Mawa said in a statement the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels were responsible for the attack.
“The National Salvation Front laid an ambush and burned the car of Rev. Amos Data, the Bishop of ECSS of Morobo Diocese,” a part of the commissioner’s state reads.
The commissioner disclosed that the attackers also robbed Boda-Boda cyclists from Morobo County who transport petrol to Democratic Republic of Cong (DRC) and Uganda.
According to the commissioner, the armed men, over 15 in number, came out from the bushes, commanding the bishop with the driver, to get out of the car and ordered them to sit down.
He narrated that one of the alleged NAS rebels reportedly told Bishop Amos, “You, Bishop, we need to do for you something that you will not forget in your life.”
“We wanted to burn your car because you are a supporter of the government,” Commissioner Mawa quoted bishop Amos as saying.
However, the commissioner condemned the incident, terming it “a barbaric act” by the NAS targeting religious leaders and civilians.
Commissioner Mawa assures the community of security under the protection of the organised forces.
“As the leadership of Morobo County, with the organized forces, we will make sure citizens are protected as a mandatory responsibility of the national army of the Republic of South Sudan,” he hinted.