By Philip Buda Ladu
Armed men stormed Leikor trading center in Kajo-Keji County, Central Equatoria State, on Friday evening, killing four young men in what appears to be a “hit and loot attack” on locals.
The attackers believed to be forces from the National Salvation United Front (NASU), allegedly crossed over from the southern Bari (Lo’bonok) area and opened fire on the trading center around 5:30 PM, local authorities said.
According to a press statement issued by the County Commissioner’s office, seen by No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper on Saturday, the armed men reportedly stormed the trading centre and opened fire indiscriminately, claiming four lives before government forces could rush to the scene.
The victims are identified as Chaplain Abile (18), William Martin Wani (33), Duku Mokosa (23), and Loguya John (21). Their bodies were all taken to Kajo-Keji Civil Hospital for post-mortem examinations following the aftermath of the incident.
Meanwhile, Kajo-Keji County Commissioner, Robert Lisi Christopher, directed the area army commander to hunt down the perpetrators. He also urged the citizens to remain calm and vigilant.
The incident has caused shock among the people of Kajo-Keji, and especially the victims’ families, who are mourning their loss.
This tragedy comes at a time when the locals are trying to return home to rebuild their broken walls amid relative calm, following the destructive 2016 war that chased the populace to refugee camps in neighbouring Uganda.
Early last week, Central Equatoria State Governor Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani visited Kajo-Keji County as part of his counties tour in an effort to consolidate peace, unity, security, and stability across the state.
He addressed local concerns, pledging support to Kajo-Keji County as he reiterated the state government’s commitment to peace and stability during a rally held at Freedom Square, Mere Town, on Tuesday, October 16, 2024.
The governor conveyed the president’s calls for collective efforts to restore durable peace, urging the youth and people of Kajo-Keji County to embrace peace and renounce the growing culture of violence.
Jadalla acknowledged the challenges faced by the people of Kajo-Keji, including inadequate services, trauma, and border disputes, and assured of his government’s commitment and efforts in addressing these issues within its reach.