Police Captain Killed in Torit Attack

By Obiala Angel De-son – Torit

A police captain in Eastern Equatoria State has been reported killed after forces loyal to the South Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) attacked a military barrack in Torit town at around 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

In a press statement to journalists in Torit, His Excellency Louis Lobong Lojore, Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, confirmed that the attack began at Division Seven’s main garrison, primarily targeting the military hospital, in the early hours of Tuesday.

Governor Lobong stated that a second attack occurred in the Enyif residential area, which led to the death of Police Captain Cyprian Oromo, who served as the deputy investigator for Torit County.

“Today, November 18, 2025, SPLM-IO forces attacked Torit town and other areas in Eastern Equatoria State. They launched an armed raid on the Torit military barracks hospital, while other SPLM-IO elements advanced from Enyif and opened fire on a vehicle carrying the Torit County Commissioner. This attack resulted in the killing of Police Captain Cyprian Oromo. The incident follows a previous attack on a vehicle traveling from Kapoeta to Napot-pot yesterday, November 17, 2025, where one person was wounded. These actions demonstrate continued hostilities by SPLM-IO forces,” Lobong said.

The governor also noted that SPLM-IO forces previously attacked Gumbo, on the outskirts of Torit, resulting in the death of an SSPDF soldier, and launched an attack on the National Security Office in Kapoeta in September of this year.

“In May this year, SPLM-IO carried out a deadly attack on an SSPDF military outpost at Enyif, resulting in the killing of an SSPDF soldier. Again, on September 25, 2025, SPLM-IO forces raided the National Security Office in Kapoeta. Despite provocations from SPLM-IO, the Eastern Equatoria state government has consistently called for peaceful coexistence between government forces and SPLM-IO forces in the interest of the state’s citizens. However, this latest attack amounts to a declaration of war against the government. We condemn the attack in Torit this morning,” Lobong said.

Governor Lobong called on the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the youth of Torit to join hands in defending and protecting the people of Eastern Equatoria State.

“I call on all citizens of Eastern Equatoria State not to support those perpetrating violence against our people. SSPDF forces and the youth of the state must work to protect citizens from these barbaric acts. The state government will continue to protect its citizens while advocating for dialogue and peace,” Lobong emphasized.

During the attack, two additional SSPDF soldiers were reportedly killed. The 5:00 a.m. assault caused panic across Torit, prompting officials to distance themselves from duties, shops to close, and students to return from examinations.