By James Innocent
An officer from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), identified as Jackson Ade, has been killed by armed men on the outskirts of Yei.
On Wednesday, Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme, along with other senior security officials, joined the family in mourning at Mugwo Payam, located twelve kilometers from Yei town.
Commissioner Seme urged the family to be patient as the authorities investigate the murder of Major Ade, who was killed in cold blood.
“The late Ade was brutally murdered by unknown gunmen, shocking the hearts of the people of Yei, including myself as the commissioner. What I want is total peace in the community,” he said.
He called on the community to remain vigilant and to unite in protecting themselves, emphasizing the government’s mandate to ensure their safety.
According to Reverend Stephen Dada, a relative of the deceased, Jackson Ade was 69 years old, had five wives, and nine children from different mothers.
He served as a senior soldier in the SSPDF and played a role in protecting the MTN network towers in Mugwo.
Reverend Dada reported that Ade was killed on Monday at around 8:00 PM. Witnesses said that armed men locked the children inside the house while taking their father into the bush, where he was shot in the head.
Simon Akasa, the head chief of Mugwo Payam, described Jackson as a person who had no problems with anyone.
He urged the community to refrain from criminal activities, noting that Ade’s death has shocked both the community and his clan.
The head of security in Mugwo Payam expressed his discontent, stating, “It is tragic that he was killed like an animal in the bush. It’s not right to take innocent lives.”
He added that if they had known about Ade’s situation, they could have intervened.
Payam Director Nowel Latio expressed sadness over the events in Mugwo Payam.
During the burial, Archdeacon Alex, a religious leader, lamented the loss of Major Ade, saying it’s unacceptable for an officer to die in such a manner.
He assured Commissioner Seme that soldiers are present throughout the country and that identifying insecurity can be difficult.
He called on the government to work towards peace so that citizens can experience lasting tranquility in their communities.
He also urged the family to remain calm, as many soldiers face similar fates.