A staff member at Yambio State Hospital is battling for his life after being shot in a night-time armed attack at his home in Yambio Town over the weekend.
The incident has reignited a public fear over rising insecurity in the state capital.
Police confirmed that the victim identified as, Mr.Christopher James Ezekiel Ndukpo, was attacked around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at his residence in Akorogbodi (AK1) residential area.
Unknown gunmen stormed his house, shot him, and reportedly looted belongings before fleeing.
Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong, the Western EquatoriaState Police Commissioner, told The City Review on Monday that investigations are underway to bring the suspects into book of the law.
“Unknown gunmen came at night, attacked a civilian at his home, shot him and injured him badly. The victim was rushed to Yambio State Hospital, and now the police are following all leads to apprehend the suspects,” Maj. Gen. Madut said, urging the public to remain calm.
The victim identified as Hospital Worker, according to the eyewitnesses who confirmed that the victim is theeldest son of James Ezekiel Ndukpo, the County Health Director of Yambio, and has worked at Yambio Teaching Hospital for nearly nine years.
A hospital colleague, speaking with emotion, said Christopher was admitted in critical condition.
“He sustained severe gunshot wounds from back of his head, now we are doing everything possible, but his condition is very critical,” the colleague said.
This attack comes amid a troubling rise in cases of unknown gunmen in Yambio Town and other parts of Western Equatoria since the removal of former Governor Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba on February 10, 2025, through a presidential decree.
In recent months, similar attacks have claimed the lives of several civilians, including the Director General of General Education and Instructions in Western Equatoria State, who was gunned down in his home earlier this year.
A civil society activist in Yambio, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, condemned the ongoing wave of attacks.
“We cannot continue to normalize killings by unknown gunmen. This insecurity is crippling our community and creating fear everywhere. The government must take urgent measures to protect citizens,” the activist said.
However, ordinary residents in Yambio expressed frustration, saying the insecurity has eroded trust in local security mechanisms, as one resident lamented that.
“People are no longer safe, even inside their homes. We keep hearing of unknown gunmen, but no one is ever arrested or held accountable. It feels like anyone can be a victim anytime.”
Another concerned citizen added that “If a hospital staffer can be attacked like this, then what about ordinary civilians with no connections? We need answers and real action, not just statements.”
The attack on Ndukpo underscores a worsening security trend that has not spared even prominent officials, healthcare workers, or educators.
Civil society leaders and citizens alike are calling for an immediate review of security measures in Yambio and other parts of the state, including night patrols, community policing, and disarmament operations to curb the rising violence.
As Mr. Christopher Ndukpo continues to fight for his life in Yambio State Hospital, residents are left with one pressing question: How long will “unknown gunmen” continue to terrorize the city unchecked?
