Senior State Education Official Shot Dead at Home in Yambio

(YAMBIO COUNTY) – A senior government official in Western Equatoria State has been shot dead in a targeted attack at his residence in Yambio, authorities confirmed on Sunday. Peter Michael Mbia, the Director General in the State Ministry of General Education and Instruction, was killed on Saturday evening when three unidentified gunmen stormed his compound in Akorobodi, a residential area about three kilometres from the centre of Yambio town.

According to State Police Commissioner Major General Phillip Madut Tong, the assailants arrived on a motorbike at around 7:00 p.m. and found Mr Mbia at home with his family.

They reportedly assaulted an elderly male relative with the butt of a gun, leaving him unconscious, before opening fire on Mbia. He was shot multiple times. At least 15 rounds were fired at close range before the attackers fled the scene without taking any property.

The motive behind the killing remains unclear, but the cold blooded murder has raised fears of rising insecurity in the area, especially among government officials. Police have launched a criminal investigation, and both the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and national security personnel are pursuing leads. No suspects had been arrested by the time of this report.

“This case is very serious. If it is politically or tribally motivated, we must find peaceful ways to address our differences. We should not turn to violence or use guns against one another,” said Maj. Gen. Madut in a statement to Radio Miraya.

He added that the security situation in other parts of the state, including Tambura, remains calm for now.

The killing has shocked the Yambio community. A neighbour who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisal said the area had been quiet until the attack and expressed worry that the incident could trigger further violence.

Francis Francisco, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) coordinator for Yambio County, confirmed the killing but refrained from commenting further.

“Yes, he was working with the State Ministry of Education. But since this is a criminal case, only the police and the commissioner can provide further information,” Francisco told reporters.

Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and to share any useful information that could help track down the suspects.