Barricade tape for crime scene (Courtesy)

The Commissioner of Kapoeta East County is feared killed after his vehicle was reportedly ambushed while traveling to Kessengor, although authorities in both Eastern Equatoria State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) said they were still verifying details of the incident.

Eastern Equatoria State Information Minister Elias Ahaji said the state government had received reports that the commissioner was attacked but had yet to establish the full circumstances.

“Yes, we are getting information that the Commissioner of Kapoeta (Stephen Lowosio) has been ambushed on his way to Kessengor, but we have not yet received the full details,” Ahaji said.

He added that authorities could confirm an incident had occurred but were still gathering information. Asked to confirmed he commissioner had been killed, Ahaji replied: “We can confirm that the incident occurred, but we are continuing to follow up for further information.”

However, GPAA Information Minister Jacob Werchum said his administration had not yet received official confirmation from the area.

“We have not yet received official information. We are in contact with the Area Commissioner of Boma and are awaiting an update from the area,” Werchum said. “At this stage, I do not have further details about the incident.”

Werchum said GPAA authorities would provide an update once complete information becomes available.

The circumstances surrounding the reported ambush, including the commissioner’s condition and the identity of those responsible, were not immediately clear by press time.