A year after the mysterious disappearance of a Catholic priest and his driver in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State, their families and community continue to demand answers amid growing frustration over the lack of progress in the case.
The Rev. Luke Yugue and Michael Gbeko were reportedly kidnapped by unknown assailants on April 27, 2024, while traveling from Nagero County to Tambura County. Their whereabouts remain unknown, deepening anguish among loved ones.
Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tambura-Yambio marked the somber anniversary with a statement this week, calling for renewed efforts to find the missing men.
“One year has passed, and their silence haunts us,” Hiiboro said. “The disappearance of Fr. Luke and Michael is not just a personal loss — it’s a wound to the heart of our society.”
He urged South Sudan’s government, security forces and international partners to intensify investigations and ensure accountability.
No public commemoration was held this year due to the mourning period following the death of Pope Francis and the election of his successor, but Hiiboro encouraged private prayers and solidarity.
Edmund Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), criticized authorities for failing to resolve the case.
“The disappearance of the clergyman is a grave matter of concern,” Yakani said. “This is not just about Fr. Luke and Michael; it’s about sending a clear message that crimes against religious figures will not be tolerated.”
Yakani, a prominent civil society activist, called for an independent probe, warning that attacks on clergy amount to “an act of war against the Holy Spirit.”
Matondo Martin Peter, Yugue’s brother, told Radio Tamazuj that the family feels abandoned.
“We have not heard anything from the government,” he said from Yambio. “We are stranded, grieving, and have no closure.”
Matondo lamented that no officials attended recent memorial prayers. “We invited them, but no one came. Why is the government neglecting us?”
Western Equatoria State has seen rising violence, with abductions and attacks often going unpunished. Despite the lack of answers, the bishop expressed hope.
“The resurrection of Christ reminds us that truth and justice will prevail,” Hiiboro said. “We must not give up.”
Government officials in Western Equatoria could not immediately be reached for comment.