By James Innocent
The Executive Director of Lainya County, Betwel Suma, is in critical condition and on oxygen support three days after a serious road accident on the Yei–Lainya road, His severe injuries have prompted a joint effort by local authorities to secure an urgent medical transfer to Juba for specialized treatment.
The circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear, with both family and police offering differing accounts.
Samuel Logo, an uncle to the executive director, suspects that Suma was the victim of a hit and run incident. “We found him with multiple bruises on his body, and it seems the driver fled the scene,” Logo stated, adding that the family is distressed by his deteriorating condition at Yei Civil Hospital. Suma was reportedly riding his motorcycle from Lainya to Yei when the incident occurred.
Meanwhile Abui Salah, a police officer in Lainya County, suggested a different scenario. Preliminary reports indicate that Suma may have fallen from his motorcycle. The official was initially rushed to Lainya County Hospital before being referred to Yei Civil Hospital for more intensive care.
The severity of Suma’s condition has been confirmed by medical staff. Dr. Morbe, Medical Director of Yei Civil Hospital, confirmed to this out let that the patient remains serious and recommended an urgent transfer to Juba for advanced treatment.
The Lainya County Commissioner Robert Lasu stated that, his office is working closely with Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme to facilitate the official’s move to the capital.
The authorities and the family are now appealing for support to cover the costs and logistics of the medical referral, stressing the need for Suma to receive immediate specialized attention.