A health worker was shot dead in an ambush on Sunday along the Lotome-Bira road in Ikotos County of Eastern Equatoria state, local officials said.
The victim, identified as Lokotel Luka, was returning to Bira after work at Nakoringole Primary Health Care Unit when he was attacked at a spot known locally as “Kampala Corner,” authorities said.
Ikotos County Commissioner Timon Loboi Lolori told Radio Tamazuj that he was informed that the attack occurred at about 5 p.m.
“I was informed that a nutritional officer was killed at Kampala Corner along the Lotome-Bira road by unknown raiders, who were later traced to Kikilai village in Budi County,” Lolori said.
He described Lokotel as a nutrition assistant at the health facility in Nakoringole payam, and said he was married with children. “His family and colleagues are devastated,” he said.
Julius Lokenyi, Ikotos County’s health director, confirmed the killing and said the victim had previously survived attacks.
“Just a week ago, Lokotel faced a similar threat while traveling from Bira to Ikotos, and his son was injured by gunfire during that incident,” Lokenyi said. He added that assailants had previously robbed him of his belongings.
Lokenyi said the killing would affect health services in the area. “This leaves a gap in our Nakoringole PHCU, where he served a large population,” he said, calling for greater protection of health workers and civilians along the road.
Amin Ben, commissioner of neighboring Budi County, said he had received reports of the killing and that local authorities were working to identify those responsible.
“I have directed my executive director to contact the chief of Kikilai Boma to establish the route taken by the attackers and ensure they face justice,” Ben said.