By Paschal Norbert
LOA, APRIL 4, 2025 (CISA) – The Catholic Diocese of Torit has strongly condemned the violent attack on Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Loa, Magwi County, by South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) personnel. The attack, which occurred on March 26, resulted in the death of a civilian and left another person injured.
“The attack took place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, when some SSPDF personnel stormed the parish without any notice,” Bishop Emmanuel Bernardino Lowi Napeta said in a statement issued on April 3, 2025.
“This act of violence was committed by members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) Unit, stationed at the junction of Loa Parish, also called Okodu Maria,” he disclosed.
According to Bishop Lowi, the armed forces opened fire on parish grounds, killing a civilian and injuring another. In a bid to conceal their crime, the attackers allegedly carried away the body of the deceased and attempted to erase forensic evidence by covering the bloodstains with soil.
“In an attempt to conceal their action, the soldiers carried away and hid the body and covered the blood on the ground with soil in order to remove any forensic evidence. Till today, the whereabouts of the body is unknown. During this intrusion, our church personnel, working staff, and residents of the area were subjected to intimidation, threats, and questioning,” Bishop Lowi stated.
The bishop urged the SSPDF to return the body of the victim to the family for a dignified burial and to take responsibility for their actions.
“This incident is not only an assault on the physical space of the Church but also an affront to the fundamental rights to religious freedom, dignity, and security of the people of the Catholic Diocese of Torit,” Bishop Lowi said.
The Catholic Diocese of Torit has demanded a public apology from the SSPDF and called for clear assurances that such attacks will not occur again. The church also insisted on the implementation of concrete measures to prevent future violations.
“The intrusion by the armed personnel into the Church’s premises has disrupted the parish activities and additionally instilled fear and anxiety among the locals,” the statement read.
The Diocese emphasized the importance of professionalism and accountability within the armed forces, asserting that “The Diocese of Torit expects our armed forces, who have the mandate to protect civilians and their properties in the country, to uphold the principles of professionalism, justice, human rights, and respect for religious institutions and act upon this matter without delay.”
Bishop Lowi strongly condemned the attack and called for justice for the victims and the Church community. He urged the South Sudanese government to launch an impartial investigation and hold the responsible soldiers accountable.
Despite these challenges, the Diocese reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Loa Parish and its mission of peace.
“The Diocese of Torit stands in solidarity with our Church personnel and the population of Loa Parish (Magwi County) who have been affected by this unfortunate event, and we reiterate our unwavering commitment to continue our ministry of service, peace, and compassion amidst these challenges,” he stated.
The incident comes amid renewed conflict in South Sudan following tensions between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) and the SSPDF. The situation has worsened following the house arrest of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, who also serves as the leader of the SPLM/A-IO.
