Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has appealed for calm following the killing of Kapoeta East County Commissioner Stephen Lowosio, assuring residents that justice will be pursued through the courts and other relevant national institutions.
Speaking to journalists in Torit on Tuesday after returning from Juba, Governor Lobong said a high-level delegation from the state had presented findings from an investigation into the commissioner’s killing to national authorities.
The delegation included representatives of the Jie and Toposa communities, state lawmakers and senior government officials.
According to the governor, the team met several national institutions, including members of the National Security Council Committee, to brief them on the circumstances surrounding the killing and the findings of the State Security Committee.
“We presented the findings of our investigation and shared information on the events leading to the death of Commissioner Stephen Lowosio,” Lobong said.
The governor disclosed that the investigation report, together with a list of suspects, had been submitted to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
He said legal proceedings have already commenced, with a court case opened to ensure that those responsible for the killing are held accountable.
Lobong noted that the delegation also held consultations with the Minister of Interior, the Presidential Advisor on National Security Affairs, members of the Council of States and representatives of the National Legislature.
He said discussions focused on both the criminal investigation and the wider issues linked to the disputed area where the commissioner was killed.
According to the governor, President Salva Kiir assured the delegation that the matter would receive the attention it deserves and would be handled through the appropriate legal and administrative channels.
Lobong explained that the President emphasized the need to distinguish between the criminal aspects of the case and the administrative and political issues surrounding the territorial dispute.
He said the criminal investigation would be handled by the Ministry of Justice and the courts, while political and administrative concerns would be addressed by the relevant state and national institutions.
The governor added that both the Council of States and the National Legislature are expected to review the administrative dimensions of the dispute in accordance with the law.
Appealing directly to residents of Eastern Equatoria State, Lobong urged communities to remain peaceful and avoid taking matters into their own hands.
He said the issues have now been placed before the country’s leadership and that citizens should allow the legal process to run its course.
“I urge our people to remain calm and continue mourning our late commissioner peacefully while allowing justice to take its course,” he said.
The killing of Commissioner Lowosio in Kesengor Boma of Lopeat Payam prompted the state government to establish a fact-finding committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommend appropriate action.
Governor Lobong reiterated his administration’s commitment to securing justice for the late commissioner while preserving peace, stability and unity across Eastern Equatoria State.
He expressed confidence that the institutions handling the matter would ensure accountability and help prevent further tensions as investigations and legal proceedings continue.
