Church Hails Capture of Notorious Crime Lord Jelle Lo Lobuyu in Terekeka County

(TEREKEKA/JUBA COUNTY) – The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Juba, Bishop Santo Loku Pio, has welcomed the arrest of Jelle Lo Lobuyu, a suspected gang leader accused of looting, attacks, and killing civilians across Terekeka County for nearly two years.

The arrest was confirmed by the Commissioner of Terekeka County, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Loku Lodu, during the Silver Jubilee celebration of St. Peter and Paul’s Parish in Rokon on Monday. He assured the people of Rokon that disturbances associated with the suspect would cease and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace and security.

Terekeka County authorities had arrested Jelle Lo Lobuyu along with his alleged bodyguard, Morji Akeyo, on 3 June. Officials said the suspect had been linked to a series of violent crimes across the county.

The arrest followed a major security operation mounted after an attack on 2 May in Lowirja, where Jelle Lo Lobuyu and his associates targeted cattle belonging to the Awerial community and the native Lowirja community at the Gimara Kuggi cattle camp. That attack resulted in the deaths of at least seven people, with four others injured.

At the time, Commissioner Loku Lodu condemned the violence and pledged that the group would be brought to justice.

On 7 May, security forces under the direct oversight of the Central Equatoria State Security Advisor, Hon. Angelo Daya, and Commissioner Loku Lodu recovered two young girls who had been abducted by Jelle Lo Lobuyu and his group.

The girls, Yom Achakarac Kuotwel, aged 12, and Abeny Acuoth Kuotwel, aged 15, both from Puluk Payam, Awerial County, Lakes State, were found in good health and had not suffered serious harm.

A delegation escorted them to the Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, who formally oversaw their safe return to their families.

The Silver Jubilee celebration marked 25 years of the parish’s contribution to spiritual growth, peacebuilding and community development, bringing together the faithful, church leaders, and government officials.

Bishop Santo Loku Pio called for sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by cattle herders. He said effective laws are needed to address the issue permanently.

He raised concerns regarding insecurity, inadequate healthcare services and shortages of medicines and other essential social services. He appealed to leaders to show love, sacrifice, and commitment to the development of the state and the country.

He further voiced concerns raised by communities across the Payams of Juba County and expressed appreciation to the congregation for their generosity and commitment.

Hon. Augustine Ladu, State Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Representative of the Governor of Central Equatoria State, delivered the message of Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony.

The Governor’s message called upon the Church to continue leading efforts toward unity and reconciliation, reflecting on the historical coexistence of South Sudan’s diverse communities in peace and harmony.

It also stated the State Government’s commitment to restoring security and promoting peaceful coexistence, unity, and development.

Hon. Joyce Hadia Lino, Area Member of Parliament in the State Transitional Legislative Assembly, commended the commitment, generosity, and dedication of the people of Rokon. She spoke of the importance of unity among the Church and the faithful.

Hon. Eng. Samuel Emiliano Wani Pitia, Commissioner of Juba County, described the Church as a key partner in development and called for continued support.

He said insecurity remains a major obstacle to farming and socioeconomic development. He further stated that Juba County authorities are taking measures to shut down unauthorised clinics and businesses involved in the sale of illicit drugs and substances.

The Commissioner pledged support for development initiatives, particularly the renovation of Rokon Primary Health Care Centre, and called for collective responsibility and cooperation among citizens.

Hon. Stephen Wani Michael, Chairperson of the Mobilisation Committee, commended the dedication and achievements of the Parish Priest. He called upon the faithful and the wider community to continue supporting the Church in its spiritual and developmental mission.

The Director of Rokon Payam, Mr. David Roja, acknowledged the significant role of the Church in supporting local development initiatives. He noted that although security in the area has relatively improved, challenges remain due to criminal activities and the presence of cattle herders.

He called for the removal of cattle herders to enhance security and reaffirmed the implementation of local orders banning illicit drugs and harmful substances within the Payam.

Bishop Emmanuel Lomoro Eluzai of the Diocese of Rokon expressed profound gratitude to the faithful for their participation in the historic celebration.

He acknowledged the trauma experienced by many residents due to insecurity.

He urged political and community leaders to remain united and avoid using political affiliations to divide the people of South Sudan.

He also announced plans to commemorate 100 years of Christianity in Rokon.