The Director General of the State Ministry of Education in Western Equatoria State, Mr. Peter Mbia, was shot and killed at his residence on Saturday evening.
Maj. Philip Madut Tong, the Yambio Police Commissioner, told this outlet that the incident occurred at around 7:00 PM Central Africa Time (CAT) but it is not yet clear why the shooting occurred.
He confirmed that an elderly man at the scene was also assaulted and sustained minor injuries after being hit with the butt of a gun.
“One elderly man who was living with the victim where the incident occurred was beaten by the gun and he was injured but it is not serious,” Tong said.
He also confirmed that investigations are ongoing, but no arrests have been made so far.
The shocking killing has sparked outrage and mourning across the state and the nation. Among the first to respond was Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, who issued a strongly worded statement condemning the “barbaric, illegal and utterly un-Christian murder.
“To take a man’s life in such a cowardly and violent manner, especially one who dedicated his years to building the minds and lives of others, is both a personal tragedy and a national moral failure,” Bishop Hiiboro said.
He described Mbia as a devout Catholic and lifelong educator, and “a true teacher of teachers,” bishop Hiiboro said recalling his tireless efforts during the liberation war to expand education across Western Equatoria.
Mr. Mbia also served on the Diocesan Catholic Education Board and the Solidarity Teachers Training College.
“We have recklessly lost a phenomenal leader, a committed Christian, and a true teacher of teachers,” Bishop Hiiboro added,
He urged the authorities to pursue justice not in word, but in action Bishop Hiiboro called for unity and peace:
“Let this tragedy not divide us. Let Mr. Mbia’s death be a call not to retaliate, but to renew our commitment to peace, justice, and truth,” he said
He also appealed and urged the national security organs to protect civilians and prevent further violence.
“The people of South Sudan must not live in fear, especially in their own homes,” the bishop said.
As Western Equatoria reels from the loss, Mr. Mbia’s legacy as a champion of education and peace is being remembered with reverence and sorrow.