Africa-Press – South-Sudan. A South Sudanese Catholic priest and his boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) driver have been found murdered, a day after being kidnapped along the Nagero-Tombura County highway, a senior church official confirmed.
Rev. Father Luke Yugue was reported missing on Saturday, April 27th, after departing Nagero County at noon.
Bishop Barani Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tambura-Yambio had appealed to the state government for assistance in locating the priest.
A senior church official, speaking on condition of anonymity to Sudans Post this afternoon, said Father Yugue and his driver were found murdered.
He said police are investigating the circumstances of the kidnapping and the identities of the perpetrators.
“Regrettably, he has been murdered. He went missing yesterday at 1 PM, and that was the last time he was called from Nagero,” the official said on phone from Yambio. “Now he has been found dead with the boda-boda rider. We won’t say much as police investigation is ongoing.”
Archbishop Kussala’s earlier statement indicated that Father Yugue and his driver were last contacted at 1:00 PM while traveling.
“Rev. Fr Luke left Nagero at 12:00 Noon by road on Motorbike together with his Driver Mr. Gbeko. They were last found online at 1:00 PM when called by Catechist Ngbandua of Maringindo,” Archbishop Kussala said in an earlier statement extended to Sudans Post.
“Up until now Fr. Luke and his Driver have not reached Tombura and are missing, their telephones are off. I am writing this note to ask the State Government to find Fr. Yugue and his driver Mr. Gbeko and bring them to us,” he added.
The archbishop urged the public to remain calm while the government investigated.
“I therefore ask the entire people of God for prayers for the safety of Fr. Luke and his Driver. At the same time, I ask for Calm and Restrain from negative emotions from all of us, while waiting for the State Government to take immediate and appropriate actions,” he concluded.
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