Vehicle of the ECS Bishop of Morobo set on fire. | Photo: Courtesy

The Archbishop of Central Equatoria Episcopal Church Internal Province has condemned the ambush on the vehicle of Morobo County Bishop along Kaya road by suspected armed militia group on Monday.

Paul Yugusuk said the armed men allegedly from the National Salvation Front (NAS) dragged Bishop Amos Data Elinama from his car to the bush and looted his personal belongings including the priestly attire.

NAS spokesperson Suba Samuel was not immediately available for comment.

“I would like to condemn in the strongest term the ambushing and kidnapping of Bishop Amos Data Elinama which happened today at 10 AM, along Kaya Morobo Road,” the cleric said.

The armed men then set the car on fire but did not arm Bishop Amos, according to Yugusuk.

The religious leader told Eye Radio the armed group accused the church leader of supporting the government.

“This armbush and kidnapping was carried by the soldiers of National Salvation front where they dragged the bishop from the main road to the bush together with his vehicle and later, they informed the bishop that they are targeting the church leaders because they are supporting the government.”

“They later looted all the stuffs the properties of the bishop the cross, the bible, prayer book, the attire and everything then later burned the car.”

Archbishop Yugusuk added that Bishop Amos Data and his driver are currently in Morobo. He stresses that the church is neutral and does not support any party, but rather stands for peace.

“We want to inform the leadership of National Salvation front that the church is neutral and does not support any side but we are for peace.”

“Therefore, we want to call upon National Salvation front to adhere to the call of the President of the Republic for the resumption of the negotiation let us continue to pray for the Bishop and his driver who have been released now as they through this difficult time.”

Central Equatoria State government issued a statement condemning the attack “in the strongest term possible.”