By Obiala Angel De-son
The Catholic Diocese of Torit has strongly condemned an attack on church personnel at the Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Loa, Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria state.
According to a statement from His Lordship Bishop Emmanuel Bernardino Lowi Napeta, the attack occurred on March 26, 2025, when SSPDF forces stormed the premises, resulting in the death of one civilian and the injury of another. The attackers allegedly attempted to cover up the crime by hiding the body and wiping away blood from the scene.
“The attack violated the sanctity of our sacred premises and the rights of the community,” Bishop Lowi stated. “This is a grave breach of international humanitarian law.”
Bishop Lowi has called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident, urging the South Sudanese government to hold the responsible SSPDF personnel accountable.
The Diocese also emphasized the need for the government to take immediate steps to safeguard the area and ensure that such incidents do not occur again.