Rising insecurity grips Yambio streets
With Christmas lights still shimmering across Yambio, a sudden blaze in Duduma neighborhood underscored a broader worry: violent crime is edging upward. Residents whisper of thefts, sporadic gunfire and late-night break-ins, turning festive anticipation into unease across Western Equatoria’s capital.
Police files record at least five house incursions this month alone, a pattern Commissioner Michael Ismail Medi calls “unacceptable” and “disturbing”. He warns that unchecked petty theft could morph into organized violence if early deterrent measures fail.
Night of the fire detailed by witnesses
Shortly before midnight on Monday, unknown assailants allegedly doused the woman’s front porch with fuel. Flames raced through the timber walls, forcing her to sprint barefoot into the dark while neighbors banged pots to raise an alarm.
By the time volunteers formed a bucket line, the structure had collapsed, reducing personal documents, clothing and savings to ashes. “She survived, but everything was destroyed,” recalled a resident still shaken by the smoke-filled night.
Authorities move to bolster security presence
County officials responded at dawn, deploying extra patrols to junctions leading in and out of Duduma. Commissioner Medi promised joint night operations with national police and the army, stressing that “citizens must celebrate without fear” during the holiday period.
State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong added that unlawful firearm carriers would “face the full extent of the law”. Detectives are combing the charred debris for clues while gathering testimonies from nearby households.
Community response and hopeful outlook
Church groups have begun organizing night vigils and whistle patrols, mirroring strategies used during past insecurity spikes. Civic leader Sister Clarice Banda argues that “protecting each other is the first shield” while formal forces scale up.
For the survivor, relatives have offered temporary shelter as humanitarian desks assess her needs. Residents hope swift arrests will deter imitators, allowing the town’s music and market stalls to reclaim the spotlight instead of smoldering ruins.