Balanda community in Tombura County, Western Equatoria State has called on the government to investigate the killing of a state member of parliament who was shot by unidentified gunmen on Thursday.
In a statement signed by Eddy Ukele Gumasi, Balanda community chairperson, lawmaker Cross Bazia was ambushed and fatally shot while traveling to his farm in Tombura County.
“The Balanda Community calls upon authorities at both the state and national levels to conduct a thorough and swift investigation, bring the perpetrators to justice, and implement measures to prevent further violence that threatens peace and stability in the region,” read the statement.
He further stated that the murder of the lawmaker amounts to an assault on the community and the rule of law.
“The Balanda Community in Western Equatoria State Unequivocally condemns the cold-blooded assassination of Hon. Cross Bazia, a dedicated member of the Western Equatoria State Assembly, who was tragically killed this morning (Thursday) in Tombura County,” he added.
Ukele added that the brutal killing of a state Member of Parliament is a stark reminder of the urgent need to uphold security and protect those who dedicate their lives to serving the people.
Speaking to Standard Zone News over the phone, Oliver Edward, a youth leader in Tombura, echoed the same sentiment, urging the government to take the matter seriously.
He stated that the county has not enjoyed peace since the emergence of inter-communal conflict that erupted in 2021 between the Balanda and Azande communities in Tombura County.
“There is no peace in Tombura. I am calling on the national government and the state government to take this matter as a serious case because now our people are dying every day. So we need your help; we need you to come and settle these issues,” Edward appealed.
“There is no school, and people are in the camp. It’s like we are marginalized people. Since 2021 up to today, people are still in the camp. Let them hurry up to come and solve this case here,” he added.
Since 2021, Tombura County has experienced widespread communal violence, which has seen a significant number of civilian deaths, injuries, abductions, displacement, and many other human rights violations.
Recently, a Catholic pastor was killed, and health workers in Tombura County were attacked, paralyzing the provision of health services.
