The authorities in Eastern Equatoria State’s Torit County have launched investigations following the killing of a 35-year-old boda-boda rider in an ambush along the Torit–Imotong Road on Wednesday.
The victim, identified as Samwel Ohide, was reportedly traveling from Torit toward Logire Village in Ikotos County’s Imotong Payam when armed assailants attacked him and a passenger in an area between Himodonge and Logire.
According to local authorities and community leaders, the attackers intercepted the motorcycle and ordered the two to surrender. In the ensuing chaos, the passenger fled to the bushes while the rider was shot dead.
Torit County Commissioner Lokang Charles Italian condemned the incident, describing it as part of a disturbing trend of attacks targeting innocent civilians.
“The perpetrators continue to kill innocent people who have no connection with them. The two young men were traveling from Torit toward Imotong when they encountered armed criminals. One escaped, but the rider was captured and killed,” he said. “The motorcycle was not taken, and none of their property was stolen. We are investigating whether this was a targeted killing, an act of revenge, or something else entirely.”
Lokang added that preliminary findings indicate footprints believed to belong to the attackers led toward Haforiere village.
Himodonge Community Chairperson Juma Joe Adriano said information gathered from the survivor indicates that the attack occurred at around 2 P.M. on 11 June.
“One of the victims managed to escape, but the attackers captured the rider and later shot him dead,” he said. “It is very sad to lose such an energetic man who left behind a wife and children. We condemn this act in the strongest terms.”
Adriano added that local youth and community members were tracking the footprints of the suspected attackers in hopes of identifying them.
Meanwhile, Eastern Equatoria State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Abdelaziz Pieng Ngor confirmed the killing and called on local communities and traditional leaders to cooperate with security agencies in identifying those responsible.
“We need security on all roads to ensure safe movement of people,” he said. “Community leaders know the individuals within their areas and should work closely with authorities to identify and hand over criminals.”
The police commissioner also stressed the importance of public awareness and community cooperation in addressing rising criminal activities.
For her part, Flora Sebit Jada, a civil society activist who works with the Women Agency for Progress Organization, expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation along a road that was previously considered safe.
“I remember this route being peaceful, and people could travel even at night without fear,” she said. “We need communities and law enforcement to work together to ensure the safety of travelers and people conducting business along this road.”
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