By Obiala Angel De-son – Torit
A health worker has been killed in an ambush along the Lotome–Bira Road in Ikwoto County, authorities have confirmed.
The incident occurred on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at a location commonly known as “Kampala Corner.” Ikwoto County Commissioner Hon. Timon Loboi Lolori said the victim, identified as Lokotel Luka, was shot dead by suspected raiders believed to have come from Kikilai Boma in Budi County while returning to Bira.
Commissioner Timon said the deceased was a nutrition assistant serving at Nakoringole Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU) and had recently married in Nakoringole Payam.
“It was at 5PM when I was informed that a nutritional personal was killed at Kampala corner a long Lotome Bira road by unknown raiders who were later followed to have come from Kikilai village Budi County. The deceased is call Lokotel and father is Loluka he got married to a woman in Nakoringole and works as health personal at a primary health center unite as a nutritionist assistant at Nakoringole payam. I really communicated to Budi authority to advise their youth to give respect to health workers, drivers, bicycle and motorist riders and pedestrians once on the road your raiders are confronted still they are causing insecurity in the state attacking innocent civilians.”
Mr. Julius Lokenyi, Ikwoto County Health Director, confirmed the killing and described it as a major loss to the local health sector. He said the deceased had previously survived several ambushes in which his belongings were stolen.
“It has been a heart breaking this staff of mine felt in an accident, a week ago this colleague of mine felt in ambushed when travelling from Bira to Ikwoto, his properties were taken even the son to him had an injury on head after Gun shots. This week after dropping his wife at Nakoringole on his way back to Bira he meets raiders who raided goats from Nakoringole short dead-on spot which has left us a gap at Nakoringole primary health center unite “PHCU”, since he has been serving big population we will still see his assistance to take the role as we see someone to take his role. My only massage to state high authority including county commissioners that they have to sensitize our people dangers of killing one another and raiding that has contributed to many widows in communities.”
Meanwhile, Budi County Commissioner Hon. Amin Ben confirmed receiving reports of the incident and said authorities are working to track down the suspects.
“Last evening I received a massage that a health worker at Nakoringole primary health care unit “PHCU” was killed at Kampala Corner, Lotome-Bira Road, I definitely have to call my executive director to call Kikilai Boma chief to confirm the footmarks followed to have entered in his area for the culprit to face Justice.”
Authorities from both counties say efforts are underway to identify and arrest the perpetrators. Attempts to reach the Eastern Equatoria State Civil Society Network for comment were unsuccessful by press time.