By Otto Abut
Authorities in Owiny-Kibul, Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, have arrested a young man in his 20s for allegedly setting fire to two churches in the area early Sunday morning, January 19, 2025, at approximately 3:30 AM.
The two churches, the African Inland Church (AIC) and the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) were destroyed in the blaze. The suspect, identified as Opiyo David, was apprehended by the Boma Chief after being chased down by local youth who had witnessed the incident.
Onyango Joseph Okot, an administrator in Owiny-Kibul, confirmed that Opiyo is currently in custody under the supervision of the local chief. According to Okot, the suspect admitted to setting the churches on fire, taking responsibility for the destruction.
Authorities also revealed that Opiyo was previously implicated in another act of arson earlier last week, where books and chairs were burned inside the Evangelical Free Church of South Sudan, as well as a family house. These incidents had raised suspicions about his involvement in multiple acts of vandalism.
During questioning, Opiyo allegedly claimed that he set the churches on fire while under the influence of evil spirits. Following his confession, the community, led by Chief Oyet Joseph Charles, has organized a reconciliation meeting for Thursday, January 23, 2025. The meeting will involve the boy’s parents, local church leaders, and community opinion leaders, to address the situation and find a peaceful resolution.
Okot emphasized that the meeting’s purpose is to explore ways to help Opiyo reintegrate into the community and guide him toward overcoming his troubling behavior.
In response to the incident, Pr. Owot Jackson of the African Inland Church in Owiny-Kibul called for a compassionate approach, urging authorities to release the young man and leave the matter in God’s hands. “We believe in forgiveness and the power of prayer,” said Pr. Jackson, advocating for a more spiritual and restorative resolution.
However, Otto Nelson Lony, Chairperson of the Interchurch Council in the Acholi Corridor, strongly condemned the violence, stressing the need for accountability. “This is a deeply troubling incident, and it reflects a larger issue of church properties being destroyed,” Lony stated. He also referenced other recent cases, including the theft of items from the Apostolic Church in Magwi and the burning of a church in Omeo.
The community now awaits the outcome of the upcoming reconciliation session, with hopes for a peaceful resolution and the restoration of peace within Owiny-Kibul.