Advisor on Special Programs, Epone Emmanuel Lolimo receiving treatment for gunshot wounded to his thigh after ambush on his convoy – photo credit: office of the Governor – Eastern Equatoria State. edit into a stronger caption

Security forces in Eastern Equatoria State have arrested two suspects accused of attacking the convoy of the state governor’s advisoron Friday evening.

The arrests came a day after gunmen shot and wounded the Advisor on Special Programs, Epone Emmanuel Lolimo, in the thigh at Nyibira Boma, Hiyala Payam, Torit County.

The state advisor was travelling from Kapoeta to Torit when the attack happened.

In a statement issued this afternoon, the office of the governor said the two suspects, identified as Oyom Emmanuel Ikuyong and Wani Simon Mariko, were arrested by security forces in Hiyala Village with the help of local youth known as Monyemiji.

According to the statement, a third suspect reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while hiding inside a house during the security operation.

The state government has called on residents to cooperate with security forces following a rise in attacks and road ambushes in recent days.