An advisor to the governor of Eastern Equatoria State was recovering on Saturday after being shot in the thigh when unidentified gunmen ambushed his convoy along a highway plagued by rising insecurity.
Ephone Emmanuel Lolimo, the governor’s advisor on special programs, was travelling from Kapoeta to Torit on Friday when armed assailants attacked his vehicle near Nyibira Boma in Hiyala Payam, Torit County, according to a statement from the governor’s office.
Lolimo was the only person injured in the assault, which occurred on a stretch between Hiyala and Calamini. His bodyguard, driver, South Sudanese musicians Check B the Magic and Ayafa G, and a group of youths from Kapoeta who were travelling with him escaped unharmed, the statement said.
He was airlifted to the capital, Juba, for specialised treatment and is in stable condition, said Siro Ewak Silvio, executive director in the office of Governor Louis Lobong Lojore.
“The advisor sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh and is currently receiving specialised medical care in Juba. He remains in stable condition and was the only casualty in the incident,” the statement read.
The state government condemned the attack as a criminal act that threatens public safety and directed security forces to pursue the perpetrators and bring them to justice. It reaffirmed a commitment to bolstering security along the highway, a key route connecting the state capital to its counties.
The ambush has heightened concern over lawlessness on the Kapoeta-Torit road, which has seen repeated attacks in recent months.
Juma Tikol, secretary general of the Eastern Equatoria State Civil Society Network, told Radio Tamazuj that the shooting was unacceptable and called for urgent action.
“The Kapoeta-Torit road is a lifeline for the people of Eastern Equatoria. It is used by government officials, traders, passengers and communities every day. If it becomes unsafe, the entire region suffers,” Tikol said.
He added that several previous incidents along the same route had drawn little public attention and urged authorities to identify and arrest those responsible.
“If decisive action is not taken, these attacks could escalate and lead to more loss of life,” he said.
Youth leader Oriaja James Libirato also condemned the ambush, called for accountability, and appealed to young people to shun violence.
“We condemn this attack. Our people deserve peace and security. It is time for accountability and for communities, especially the youth, to reject violence and work together to restore peace,” Libirato said.
and then