In a statement issued following the attack, Eastern Equatoria State Deputy Governor Karlo Andrew Akwo described June 11, 2026, as one of the darkest days in the state’s recent history, condemning the killing as a “tragic, barbaric and senseless” act.
Lomongin was reportedly on an official mission to Mogos Area to address a security situation and reconcile communities following the recent killing of five people. After completing the assignment, he proceeded to Kessengor Boma as part of his routine duties when his convoy came under attack.
According to Akwo, the commissioner had requested military protection from the state government before undertaking the trip and was provided with a military vehicle and security escort.
“Very unfortunate they were ambushed,” Akwo said in the statement. “The few bodyguards who were with him, together with the community police from Jie, engaged to protect him, but they couldn’t because the number of attackers was big.”
The deputy governor said Lomongin was killed during the assault alongside two soldiers. Another soldier sustained injuries, while several community police officers from Jie who attempted to defend the commissioner remain unaccounted for.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the disputed Kessengor area. Akwo noted that only a week earlier, officials from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, including its chief administrator Gola Boyoi Gola and South Sudan’s deputy minister of information and communication David Yauyau, had visited Kessengor and publicly claimed it as part of their territory.
The Eastern Equatoria State government strongly rejected those claims.
Without directly accusing any party of involvement in the attack, Akwo urged the Greater Pibor Administrative Area government to “refrain from using communities as tools to further their political agendas.”
He also appealed for calm as authorities investigate the incident.
“I urge you as peace-loving people to remain calm, and united [and] give a chance to the state government to do the investigation on this matter,” he said.
Akwo paid tribute to the slain commissioner, describing him as a dedicated public servant and a charismatic young leader committed to the welfare of his people.
“His dedication, courage and selfless service to his community, Eastern Equatoria State and the nation will never be forgotten,” he said.
