By Gladys Fred Kole
Central Equatoria State urges South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) to be on high alert and provide protection to travelers along the highways.
The state’s Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, also the state security committee spokesperson, Moro Isaac Jenesio, made the pronouncement to the army on Wednesday.
Mr. Moro’s call during a committee meeting followed deliberation on the security report and how to tackle the situation in the state.
Central Equatoria state governor, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, had convened an emergency security meeting that devolved around the current status of the security situation.
This followed the recent heinous activities allegedly committed by elements of National Salvation Front (NAS) under Gen. Thomas Cirilo, in the Greater Yei Area.
“The SSPDF forces have been directed to conduct patrols in order to deter activities of criminals so that our citizens are protected. Moro said.
State security committee condemned in the strongest sense possible the brutal incident which involved the Episcopal Church of South Sudan-Bishop of Morobo Diocese.
Rev. Amos Data, bishop of Morobo Diocese was on 5th June 2023 ambushed by gunmen, about 34 miles between Bazi and Morobo County Headquarters and his car was 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 burnt 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 the 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 his 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.
The commissioner also 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 organized forces.
Minister Moro said regarding the existing security sectors within Juba City Council quarters, the Committee, however, has directed for rapid review of the deployment of the sectors to ascertain the currently existing forces in the various sectors.
The civil population is being assured of the safety and accessibility of the roads across the State as the Government has already quelled the recently appalling situation in the Greater Yei Area.