The director for gender, child and social welfare in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria, Philip Mashakel Bona, was wounded in a gun attack Wednesday night after being ambushed by unidentified armed men in Yambio’s Nagori residential area.
Bona was shot in both legs and is receiving treatment at a local health facility. The attackers remain at large.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Bona recounted the incident, saying he responded to a distress call from a youth leader who reported suspicious individuals near Comboni Field.
“As a community leader and acting headman of the Nagori area, I felt responsible. While on our way to verify the situation, we unexpectedly fell into an ambush,” Bona said.
The assailants reportedly covered their faces, making identification impossible.
“They shot me in both legs. I managed to hide in the bush and later contacted the security forces, who came to my rescue after surrounding the field,” he added.
The attack follows a surge in nighttime violence and looting in Yambio. Residents say the insecurity has left communities in fear and demanding urgent security measures.
Western Equatoria Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Philip Madut Tong confirmed the shooting and said investigations are ongoing.
“The victim survived, though he was seriously injured. The perpetrators are still unknown. Our Criminal Investigation Department and police are following leads,” Madut said.
He urged residents to remain alert and report anyone in military-style uniforms without proper identification.
“Only authorized personnel are allowed to patrol at night. Anyone seen with a firearm and in uniform without recognition must be reported immediately,” he added.
Community members, including Nagori resident Peter Miedie, say the violence has disrupted daily life.
“We are being threatened by criminals every night. We appeal to the state government, police, and the SSPDF to conduct regular patrols and restore safety,” Miedie said.