Couple Gunned Down in Bavuru
Local officials report that Edward Gbondo, an Azande farmer, and his Balanda wife, Adali Elizabeth, were fatally shot inside their Bavuru home late Wednesday.
Eyewitnesses recount that gunmen burst into the Nagito area at about 11 p.m., opened fire, and vanished into surrounding bushland before help could arrive.
Violence Upsets Fragile Calm
Road ambushes and targeted attacks have marred Tombura County for two months, uprooting families from Nagero, Boo, and Tombura and eroding a period of relative peace.
Observers warn that each strike deepens fear and mistrust among communities already scarred by past clashes.
Residents Appeal for Stronger Security
A local witness urged “state and national governments to investigate roots of these crimes and craft lasting solutions,” stressing that civilians feel abandoned amid recurring assaults.
Civic leaders echo the plea, insisting that visible patrols and rapid investigations could deter future attacks.
Police Seek Community Collaboration
State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong confirmed the couple’s death and urged residents to identify suspects and share information with authorities for swift arrests.
He noted that anonymous tips remain vital, adding, “We continue to urge communities to report criminals and suspected individuals.”
Reconciliation Efforts Face Test
Regional leaders have asked the incoming governor to prioritize dialogue between Azande and Balanda chiefs, viewing reconciliation as the surest path back to stability.
Analysts observe that without grassroots engagement and economic support, security deployments alone may struggle to quell inter-communal grievances.