Armed men broke into a Catholic priests’ residence in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria state, stealing millions in local currency and thousands of U.S. dollars along with mobile phones, a priest and local officials said.
The robbery occurred late Monday at Don Bosco Parish in Maridi County, part of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio.
Two assailants — one armed with a gun, the other with a knife — forced their way into the residence around 9:30 p.m., ordering the priests to sit on the floor as they searched the premises.
“They took 6 million South Sudanese pounds intended for teachers’ salaries and $9,000 saved for church construction,” said parish priest Michael Jacob.
He told Radio Tamazuj that the incident was reported to police and urged the public to share any information that could help identify the suspects.
Maridi County Commissioner Alfred Mirri confirmed the attack, calling it a “disgraceful act against peace and development.” He said the assailants entered through an open window and that authorities were working to track them down.
Mirri also appealed to young people to avoid crime, saying, “Let us go to the gardens, use our hoes, and chase away hunger. That is the right way to live.”
The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio condemned the robbery, saying the stolen funds were crucial for education and community projects.
“This is not just theft — it’s a direct attack on education and development,” said Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala. He called on the government to improve security in the region.
Police said an investigation is underway and asked for the public’s help in finding the perpetrators.