Lakes State police spokesman, Major Elijah Mabor Makuac, told Sudans Post in an interview yesterday that the incident occurred on January 9, 2025, at around 6:30 p.m.
The victim was transporting a passenger from Rumbek North County to Rumbek Centre when the gunman attacked and fled the scene.
“We are still monitoring to identify the perpetrator and ensure they are arrested. These are among the fatal incidents that occurred this week in Rumbek North and Rumbek Centre County,” Makuac said.
Makuac stated that security forces are actively working to identify and apprehend the suspect involved in the attack along the Rumbek Centre-Rumbek North road.
He added that the victim’s name is being withheld until the family is fully informed to prevent distress.
Despite this incident, Makuac described the overall security situation in the state as calm, with only isolated incidents.
He urged the community to cooperate with security forces by providing information and to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“My call to the community at large in Lakes State is to cooperate with security forces and report any information about the culprits. People should not take the law into their own hands. If someone wrongs you, report to the police, and your case will be handled legally,” he said.
Daniel Laat Kon, the state coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), condemned the killing, calling it a tragic incident.
“This is a very unfortunate incident. This young man was working to sustain his life and support his family. Why would anyone target a boda boda rider?” Kon said.
“We strongly condemn this act and urge authorities to investigate the case and bring the perpetrator to justice to deter future crimes,” he added.
Kon emphasized that boda boda riders serve the entire community regardless of tribe or background and should not be targets of violence.
“It is alarming that people have resorted to killing boda boda riders, who have no connection to any conflict. We are urging the state government to take action,” he said.
Kon warned that continued violence could worsen the security situation in Rumbek.
“If the governor, authorities, partners, and the community do not act now, the situation will deteriorate. It is time for all of us to step in and restore calm,” he added.