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The Minister of Information for Greater Pibor Administrative Area, Jacob Werchum, has confirmed the recovery of a body believed to be that of the Commissioner of Kapoeta East County following deadly violence in Kessengor.

Werchum said the body was retrieved after an armed confrontation involving armed youth and uniformed personnel in the area earlier in the day.

He stated that the commissioner was reportedly caught in the clashes during what has been described as an ambush.

Werchum said: “This morning there was an attack in Kessengor. Heavily armed youth, some in uniform, attacked the area.”

He added: “Later, reports suggested the commissioner was involved and may have been killed during the ambush.”

He further confirmed the killing, stating: “The commissioner was killed. I am told a body was found and it might be him.”

Werchum also said: “Search is still ongoing around the area, including the Payam airport.”

According to the minister, the remains were recovered by security forces as search operations continued in the area.

In a separate statement, the Eastern Equatoria State government confirmed the killing of the commissioner and condemned the incident.

The state authorities alledged that the commissioner was waylaid while travelling to Kessengor area.

The statement said the incident occurred days after authorities in Eastern Equatoria State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) exchanged sharp accusations following a disputed visit by Pibor leaders to a border area, with both sides asserting jurisdiction over the location.