JUBA – The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) Division Six Commander in Western Equatoria State, Maj. Gen. Joseph Manyuat, has issued a stern warning to armed criminals following the deadly Masia Market shooting that left three people dead and two others injured during sporadic gunfire between organised forces.
Speaking during a government visit to the families of the victims, Manyuat said the people of Western Equatoria are “hardworking and deserve peace,” vowing that perpetrators of the attack will be arrested and held accountable.
“Those behind the attack will be arrested and brought to justice. There will be no more gunfire in Yambio,” he declared.
The governor and senior security officials visited the families of the late NSS officer Isaac Mibibuba and a 15-year-old girl who were killed in the incident, assuring them of full justice and government support.
Residents said they were encouraged by the swift response, noting that they slept peacefully for the first time since the shooting.
Deputy Governor Joseph Justin Marona echoed the call for calm, stressing that Western Equatoria’s citizens are peace-loving and deserve to live without fear.
“Our community needs peace, not war. We must stand together to reject violence in all its forms,” Marona said.
Governor James Altaib Berapai Jazz also led a delegation to the home of the slain 15-year-old girl to deliver condolences on behalf of the state government. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring that those responsible are brought before the law.
“On behalf of the Government of Western Equatoria State, I extend our deepest condolences to the grieving families. We will ensure that those behind this criminal act face the law,” Governor Berapai said.
He urged the community, especially the youth, to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to prevent future incidents. Berapai further reassured the public that stability has been restored.
“The situation is now under control. The operations team of the National Security Service has been withdrawn from Masia and the surrounding areas,” he said.
