The Government of Western Bahr el Ghazal state has declared three days mourning for the paramount chief who was shot dead along with his wife yesterday.

The state Minister of Information Mary Karlino says the flag is being flown at half-mass.

“The state government has paid a tribute condolence to the chief’s family who lost their life in such brutality action by unknown gunmen,” Ms Karlino read out a statement.

The unidentified armed men killed Mr Angelo Bagari less than a week after taking oath of office for a new term. His daughter was wounded in the incident.

“The state government would like to tell the family of the chief in particular and the entire people of Western Bahr el Ghazal that security agencies are on alert of an inquiry to detect the killers,” she added.

The men forced their way into the 76 year-old chief’s compound, and shot him and his wife. The couple died on spot.

The daughter of the chief survived narrowly after she was shot in the chest. She is receiving treatments at a hospital in Wau.

Who was Angelo Bagari?

The late Chief Angelo Bagari, also known by his native Balanda Viri name, Uver Bagari, was the son of a famous Balanda Viri Paramount Chief, Ulaw Bagri, who died in 1980.

Angelo Bagari took over the chieftainship from his late brother, Ukovo Ulaw Bagari who was also shot dead in 1987.

Mr. Angelo was enthroned as Chief of Bagari area in 1987. He had been the Paramount Chief of Balanda Viri of Western Bahr El-Ghazal State since then.

The late chief Angelo Bagari came from Balanda Viri clan of Fadongo, one of the well-known sub-sections of the Viri community.

He was related to the former Governor of Western Bahr El-Ghazal State (late Charles Julu Kpoyo Tanda), who was an associate professor of political sciences at the University of Juba before the CPA.

The late chief is survived by sons and daughters and many grandchildren.

(Additional information by Nichola Mandil)