By Otto Abut
Five men have been remanded in custody following a violent attack on a Catholic priest and 24 schoolchildren at Christ the King Nursery and Primary School in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State.
The incident occurred on June 27, 2025, after pupils allegedly found a neighbor’s goats grazing in the school garden. When the children attempted to catch the animals, a confrontation broke out, escalating into a physical assault by a 61-year-old Loboi Henry and his family.
Fr. Justine Ebuchei, parish priest of Christ the King Catholic Church, was among those injured.
“About 25 of us, including myself and the pupils, were badly injured,” Fr. Justine said.
“The following Monday, I took 23 children to Torit Hospital for scans. Thankfully, none of the injuries affected the skull, though those with head injuries will remain under observation until September.”
Fr. Justine condemned the violence and urged the community to promote peace and mutual respect.
“We missionaries are here to serve—especially the children and the poor. We have no hidden agenda. One day we will leave, but the community must learn to handle conflicts peacefully.”
Magwi County Police Crime Officer, 1st Lt. Paula Joseph, confirmed the arrest of five suspects: 61-year-old Loboi Henry, 24-year-old Salah James, 17-year-old Hendru Butrus (a Nuba national from Sudan), 20-year-old Patrick Zuma, and 19-year-old Leonard Deprago.
“People should report grievances to the police. Violence will not solve disputes,” Lt. Joseph warned.
Paramount Chief Ojara Aldo Akwilino postponed the court ruling to September, pending medical evaluations of the injured children. The accused will remain in custody until then.
The attack has sparked public outrage, especially after the Church issued a two-week notice for some community members residing on church land to vacate by July 17, 2025. Community members and Church leaders are now calling for swift justice and greater protection of schoolchildren and educators.