By Paschal Norbert
TOMBURA, APRIL 30, 2024 (CISA) – Rt Rev Edwardo Kussala, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura Yambio, South Sudan, is pleading for President Salva Kiir’s intervention for the safe release of Fr Luka Yugue and his driver Michael Gbeko, who are believed to have been kidnapped on April 27, 2024.
In a letter dated April 29, Bishop Kussala details that Fr Yugue who is a clergy of the diocese Tombura Yambio and his driver went missing on Saturday, April 27, 2024, when travelling between Nagero County and Tombura County by road on a motorbike.
“The priest had gone on a pastoral mission to serve the people of God in Nagero County where he has been working. On his return on 27th April 2024, we lost contact with him to date. The area where he and his driver went missing is under the control of SPLM/ (IOM) forces,” writes Bishop Kussala.
In his letter of appeal, the prelate notes that his plea for help on the matter to the Governor of Western Equatoria State and county authorities has been fruitless and thus, believes the president’s intervention will enable the safe release of the priest and his driver.
In recent months, there have been rising cases of insecurity in Tombura County, South Sudan, with reports estimating more than 41, 000 people have been displaced from their homes due to the ongoing violence in the region.
Bishop Kussala also urged President Kiir to declare a state of emergency in the county owing to the current spate of insecurity in the region that continues to impact the lives of an extremely vulnerable population.
“I am deeply concerned about his disappearance and the state of affairs in Tombura County. You have to come in direct and impose a state of Emergency. Your prompt response to this message will be greatly appreciated,” Bishop Kussala writes to President Kiir.
