Assassination of education director sparks outcry in Yambio
The motive behind the killing remains unknown as no suspects have been arrested, but police confirmed that investigations are ongoing
By Emmanuel Mandella
The brutal killing of Mr. Peter Mbia, the Director General of General Education and Instruction in Western Equatoria State, has sent shockwaves through the state and raised fresh concerns about rising insecurity in the area.
Late Mbia was gunned down in cold blood on Saturday evening by three unidentified armed men who stormed his residence in Napere Residential Area, a suburb just three kilometers from Yambio town.
According to the Western Equatoria State Police Commissioner, Major General Philip Madut Tong, the attackers, riding on a motorcycle, entered the compound around 7:00 PM, assaulted an elderly relative, and then fired 15 bullets to the Director General before fleeing the scene.
“They didn’t even speak a word, we only heard gunfire and then silence. It was terrifying,” said a neighbor who asked not to be named.
The motive behind the killing remains unknown as no suspects have been arrested, but police confirmed that investigations are ongoing with involvement from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and National Security to bring into the book those who are behind the killing.
Mr. Mbia was a respected educator and community figure, formerly the headmaster of St. Mary’s Primary School, a prominent faith-based institution in Yambio.
He later joined the SPLM-IO political movement and was appointed Director General of Education in Western Equatoria State.
Reacting to the killing, Edmund Yakani, a civil society advocate and Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization condemned the attack and urged the government to act swiftly.
“Killing a teacher is like killing a nation. This was not just a political figure; he was someone who shaped minds and served communities,” Yakani said.
Yakani demanded urgent intervention from the national government, warning that targeted killings in Western Equatoria are becoming dangerously normalized.
“Enough is enough. The sons and daughters of Western Equatoria must reject violence and embrace peaceful dialogue. Our state cannot continue to bleed,” he added.
Mbia’s killing demonstrate the widespread insecurity in Yambio.
In June 31, 2025, a security guard working with The Insight, a private security company, was gunned down in a similar attack in Napere, the same neighborhood where Mbia was murdered.
Residents fear a pattern of targeted killings is emerging, with state authorities struggling to restore order.
Fear and frustration are growing among the residents of Yambio. Maria Taban, a widow and mother of five in the Akorobodi area, told The City Review that many families are living in fear as they don’t know what may happen next.
“We are not safe anymore. If someone as senior as the Director General can be killed like that, what about us ordinary people?” she asked.
“People are scared to move after dark. We need the government to protect us. We can’t keep losing our leaders and loved ones like this.”
Many leaders have come out and castigated the inhumane killing of the education official.
While condemning the act, newly appointed Speaker of the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly, Anna Tuna Richard, urged locals to seek dialogue over violence.
“On behalf of the State Legislative Assembly, we would like to condemn such a barbaric act on our people,” Tuna told the media, confirming that the State Acting governor rushed to the scene upon hearing the news and also dispatched security personnel.
As the state mourns the loss of yet another leader, the pressure is now on security forces and the national government to not only bring the perpetrators to justice but also to stop the cycle of violence gripping Western Equatoria State.
