In a tragic incident, a 28-year-old man named Luka Biong shot and killed his 50-year-old mother on Tuesday night in Obira (name used by Lotuko, while their neighbours including Logir, Dongotono, Lango and Bira call the place Lobira), Ikotos County, located in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State.

Local authorities reported that the son shot his mother following a minor disagreement over food with his sister, which escalated when their mother intervened. This is the second such case to occur in Obira, as last year, another son shot dead his father for failing to respect his opinion.

Buluk Philip, Chairperson of the Obira community in Torit, told Radio Tamazuj Thursday that the incident occurred around 8:30 PM. He expressed shock over the event, attributing it to a minor disagreement over food.

“The incident that happened yesterday is not a good thing at all. People are shocked by what happened. The late Ihari Clementina and her son, who killed her, is called Luka Biong. This boy came home drunk and, upon finding his sister cooking, he demanded food while insulting her. When the mother intervened and asked why he was insulting his sister, he responded by saying that if she was taking her daughter’s side, trouble would ensue at home. He then retrieved a gun from the house and began shooting at his mother, hitting her in the leg and upper body. This incident occurred yesterday at around 8:30 PM,” explained Philip.

Ingong Caesar, the Executive Director of Ikotos County, has confirmed the incident, stating that the youth are currently searching for the whereabouts of the suspected criminal who fled the community settlement after the tragic event.

He explained that the son shot his mother three times with a gun, hitting her in the leg, chest, and head, resulting in her immediate death. Caesar expressed bewilderment over the motive behind the killing, emphasizing that the youth are actively involved in locating the perpetrator.

“This young man indeed killed his mother in the evening hours. The incident occurred suddenly, and the youth are now searching for his whereabouts in Obira. The reason for the mother’s killing remains unknown. Initially, they arrived as a group, demanding food from their sister. When the sister suggested warming up the vegetables as it was cold, some exchange of words occurred. Subsequently, the mother intervened, questioning why her son was insulting his sister. In response, he fled the scene and later returned to shoot his mother in the leg, chest, and fatally, in the head,” Caesar recounted.

Nakiru Eunice, a women’s rights activist from Eastern Equatoria State, strongly condemns the heinous act and urges the government to thoroughly investigate and hold the perpetrator accountable. She expresses deep concern over the increasing incidents of violence against women across the state, describing them as distressing.

“This is an extremely serious issue. As mothers, we are suffering greatly because these incidents are becoming alarmingly frequent and painful. It’s heartbreaking to think that a child you nurtured and brought into this world could turn against you in such a violent manner. It’s evident that this individual is not in a sound state of mind. How can you fathom shooting your own mother three times? It’s excruciatingly painful,” she expressed.

Eunice insists that the perpetrator must be brought to justice through a thorough investigation and legal proceedings to prevent such acts from recurring. She emphasizes the importance of children respecting and listening to their parents and siblings.

“This boy must face investigation, and the full force of the law should be applied. He cannot be allowed to roam freely after committing such a horrific act. Children must understand the significance of respecting their parents’ and siblings’ words. Listening to them is a form of blessing,” she concluded.