The local authorities in Tambura County have confirmed that a policeman and a medical doctor were ambushed and shot dead by gunmen along the Tambura–Mapoi–Yambio road on Sunday morning.
The tragic incident occurred approximately 15 kilometers outside Tambura Town at around 8:30 a.m. as the two victims were traveling on a motorbike from Mapoi to Tambura.
According to First Lieutenant John Kinolo Baptist, the Acting Inspector of Police in Tambura, the deceased were identified as Private Agustino Monday Paul, a policeman, and Dr. Festo Arkangelo, a medical practitioner. Both were killed on the spot during the ambush.
“Private Agustino Monday Paul was returning from Mapoi when he was ambushed and killed along with Dr. Festo Arkangelo,” Lt. Kinolo stated. “Their motorbike and the police officer’s firearm were taken. When security forces arrived at the scene, they found the bodies stripped and left in their underwear.”
Security forces, including police and other organized units, were quickly dispatched to the area to recover the bodies and investigate the scene. However, the perpetrators remain at large.
Lt. Kinolo called on both the state and national governments to deploy additional forces along the Tambura–Yambio, Tambura–Nagero–Wau, and other key roads to ensure the safety of civilians and prevent future attacks.
Meanwhile, Thomas Bandaisa, Acting Paramount Chief of Tambura County, also confirmed a related incident along the same route, describing it as a threat to peace and public safety in the region.
“Two individuals, Mandela Paul from Mapoi and Dr. Faisal from Nandi Payam, were ambushed while traveling by motorbike between Mopoi and Tambura, and one of them was killed on the spot,” he said.
Chief Bandaisa added that local authorities, in collaboration with the Organization for Peace in Tambura, conducted a search operation in nearby bushes to track down the attackers but found no suspects.
“The area where the incident occurred is remote and far from residential settlements, which made a timely response difficult,” he said. “We are urging the government to strengthen security in all vulnerable areas.”
Relatedly, Major General Philip Madut Tong, Police Commissioner of Western Equatoria State, confirmed the killings and said the victims were ambushed while riding a single motorbike.
“These were acts committed by criminals hiding among civilians. The situation in Tambura has returned to normal, but we call on the community to support law enforcement by identifying and reporting criminal elements,” Maj. Gen. Madut stated.
The double killing has triggered widespread concern among residents and local leaders, who are now urging for heightened security patrols, better intelligence gathering, and swift justice for the victims.