An archbishop and members of his entourage were ambushed and robbed early Monday morning along the Lui–Mundri road in Western Equatoria State while traveling to attend a funeral in Maridi County, church officials and family members confirmed.
The Archbishop of the Internal Province of Amadi and Bishop of the Diocese of Lui, Rt. Rev. Stephen Dokolo, was traveling with four other people when armed criminals intercepted their vehicle on the notoriously insecure stretch of road linking Lui and Mundri.
The group was briefly detained and had their personal belongings taken, including mobile phones and other valuables.
“All the belongings, including phones and personal items, were robbed, but thank God they were later released and continued their journey safely,” a family member of one of the victims told Standard Zone News.
According to the Dean of the Diocese of Lui, who spoke to Amadi TV, the local media outlet, the bishop and his companions were en route to Maridi to attend funeral prayers for one of the bishop’s in-laws when the ambush occurred.
The attackers did not physically harm any of the travelers and later allowed them to proceed.
The Dean confirmed that Bishop Dokolo and all those traveling with him arrived safely in Maridi later in the afternoon and were in stable condition, despite the ordeal.
Church authorities strongly condemned the incident, describing it as another troubling sign of persistent insecurity along major roads in Western Equatoria.
They expressed concern that even religious leaders traveling for humanitarian and family obligations are not spared from criminal attacks.
“The safety of travelers, including clergy and civilians, must be guaranteed,” a church source said, calling on security organs and local authorities to take urgent measures to protect road users and restore confidence in public transport routes.
The Lui–Mundri road has in recent months been the site of repeated ambushes and robberies, particularly targeting commercial vehicles, humanitarian workers, and private travelers.
Local residents say insecurity along the route has severely disrupted movement, trade, and access to essential services.
As of Tuesday evening, authorities in Mundri East County had not issued an official statement on the incident.
It remains unclear whether security forces have launched an investigation or taken steps to pursue the perpetrators.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns among church leaders and civil society groups over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Western Equatoria, with renewed calls for increased patrols, road escorts, and community-based security measures to prevent further attacks on civilians.
