By Malish Valentine Adolfo – Torit
A boda boda rider and his passenger have been killed along the Lotukei–Karenga Road in Budi County, Eastern Equatoria State, in an attack allegedly carried out by suspected criminals believed to have come from Nakoringole in Ikotos County.
Speaking to Radio Emmanuel 89FM via phone interview on Thursday, the Executive Director of Budi County, Mr. Rhino Lokure, confirmed that the incident occurred on Wednesday at around 10:00 AM.
According to Mr. Lokure, the deceased were identified as Lotime Dario, a boda boda rider aged 27 from Lotukei, and his passenger, Mario Lojore, aged 24, reportedly from Uganda. The two were traveling from Lotukei to Karenga when they were ambushed and attacked by suspected criminals believed to be from Nakoringole in Ikotos County.
Mr. Lokure stated that arrangements are underway to transport the bodies to Lotukei for burial. He added that the Commissioners of both Budi and Ikotos counties are expected to meet in Chuhudum to trace the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.
“The incident happened yesterday at 10:00 AM. The two young men, aged 27 and 24, were traveling from Lotukei to Karenga when they were attacked by criminals believed to have come from Nakoringole in Ikotos County. We are planning to bring their bodies to Lotukei for burial. Both the Commissioners of Budi and Ikotos counties are coming to Chuhudum to follow the footprints and bring the perpetrators to book,” Mr. Lokure said.
He strongly condemned the attack and discouraged criminals and cattle raiders from targeting innocent passengers on highways.
Mr. Lokure further called on the state government and humanitarian partners to intensify peace sensitization efforts within communities.
“We need to sensitize our people on peace. If there are issues of cattle raiding within their jurisdictions, they should not attack innocent passengers on the highways. I am calling on partners and the state government to organize workshops to sensitize communities on peaceful coexistence,” he appealed.
The authorities say investigations are ongoing.