In a statement issued after the incident, Lobong described the killing as a “barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable act of violence” and urged residents not to retaliate as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
“It is with profound sorrow and deep shock that Eastern Equatoria State received the heartbreaking news of the tragic killing of Hon. Stephen Lowosio Lomongin, the Commissioner of Kapoeta East County, who was brutally murdered in an ambush while carrying out his official duties in the service of peace and unity among our people,” the governor said.
Lobong extended condolences to the commissioner’s family, the people of Kapoeta East County, and the wider population of Eastern Equatoria State, describing the slain official as a committed leader who dedicated his life to promoting peace and reconciliation among communities.
According to the governor, Lomongin had recently sought support from the state government to undertake a peace mission aimed at easing tensions among the Mogos, Peimong, and Jie communities. After successfully completing the initiative and facilitating dialogue among the groups, he travelled to Kasengor, a boma within Kapoeta East County, where he was killed.
“The late Hon. Stephen Lowosio Lomongin was a dedicated public servant who tirelessly worked to promote peace, reconciliation, and coexistence among communities,” Lobong said.
The governor condemned the killing in the strongest terms, saying the attack had robbed the state of a leader whose primary mission was to unite communities.
“This barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable act of violence has deprived Eastern Equatoria State of a committed leader whose only mission was to build peace among his people,” he stated.
The killing comes amid growing tensions in the border area of Kasengor. Lobong noted that the incident occurred only days after leaders from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area entered Kasengor, located in Lopeat Payam of Eastern Equatoria State, without authorization from the state government and allegedly made claims over territorial ownership.
While stopping short of assigning blame, the governor said investigations were underway to establish the facts.
“While the circumstances surrounding the killing remain under investigation, the Government is determined to establish the facts and ensure accountability for those responsible,” he said.
Lobong appealed to residents of Kapoeta East County and the wider state to remain calm and avoid acts of revenge.
“I therefore call upon the people of Kapoeta East County and the entire population of Eastern Equatoria State to remain calm, exercise restraint, and refrain from taking the law into their own hands,” he said.
He also urged communities to safeguard members of the Murle community living in Eastern Equatoria and allow security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.
“I further urge all communities to protect people of Murle residing within Eastern Equatoria State, and to allow the Government and security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss,” Lobong said.
The governor concluded by calling for unity and a renewed commitment to peace, justice and coexistence, values he said Commissioner Lomongin championed throughout his public service.
