The Greater Pibor Youth Union, under the leadership of Chairperson Kannan Lilcho, issued a statement denouncing the tragic assassination of the Jebel Boma Commissioner. The incident unfolded in Thakrero Village, along the Reath Road, where the commissioner and his delegation were ambushed by armed insurgents claiming responsibility for the attack. Lilcho detailed that the commissioner was on a mission near the Reath Payam bordering Ethiopia, aiming to halt operations by the Gaol Mining Company, which was reportedly conducting activities illegally without authorization from the Government of South Sudan. On their return journey, the commissioner’s convoy was forcefully stopped, and the assailants opened fire on their vehicle, resulting in the death of 15 individuals, including one woman.

Lilcho further highlighted that the attackers were identified as members of the Anyuak community. He urged the Anyuak youth to initiate peace talks with the rebels active in the region, stressing the importance of unity and reconciliation between the closely tied communities. In comments to Oz Arab Media, Lilcho lamented the senselessness of conflict between such “related sister communities.”

David Ngiro, a Murle community leader in Juba, attributed the attack to the assailants while also criticizing the Transitional Government of National Unity for failing to adequately protect the communities of South Sudan. Ngiro emphasized the government’s shortfall in ensuring safety for its citizens and extended his condolences to the family of the commissioner and to all of Jebel Boma, calling for immediate and effective action to safeguard every community within the nation.