By Lodu William Odiya
Eastern Equatoria State Governor, Louis Lobong Lojore, has strongly dismissed a circulating social media allegation claiming that Torit and Magwi towns have fallen into the hands of a coalition of SPLM-IO and NAS forces.
In a statement issued by the state press unit yesterday, Lobong Called the allegations “Baseless Lies Meant to Cause Panic”
Governor Lobong categorically reassured the public that both Torit and Magwi remain firmly under government control, are stable, and that business activities are continuing normally.
“The people of Eastern Equatoria State know very well that the towns mentioned are intact, the citizens are calm, and I am operating normally from my office in Torit, the Capital of EES,” the Governor stated.
Lobong emphasized that government forces were actively pursuing the criminal elements responsible for recent disturbances, noting that these groups are now disorganized, scattered, and on the run in the bushes.
He stressed that security forces would continue their operations until all criminal elements are cleared from the state.
He further underscored that Certificate for Primary Education commenced this morning across all counties without disruption, contradicting online claims of insecurity.
Addressing additional social media reports alleging heavy government casualties, the Governor dismissed them as false, clarifying that it was the criminals who suffered losses, including some identified as foreign fighters.
The Governor advised travellers to remain cautious in the short term, as scattered criminal elements may attempt to disrupt movement by looting or hijacking vehicles, though he assured that security forces are working to ensure safe travel across all routes.
Governor Lobong also thanked the youth in various villages for their cooperation with government efforts to flush out criminal elements and urged all youth across Eastern Equatoria State to join hands in promoting and sustaining peace.
The recent chaos in Torit has been marked by intense clashes between government forces and opposition fighters, leading to civilian displacements and a security warning from the state governor.
The fighting has erupted in the Ifwotu payam area, Southwest of Torit town, between the South Sudan people’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and a combined forces of the rebel National Salvation Front (NAS) and the SPLA in Opposition (SPLA-IO).
The sound of heavy gunfire caused panic among local residents, leading many to flee their homes. Families had sought refuge at the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Torit.
The governor has reassured the public, but cautioned against venturing too far into the bushes as security operations continue to clear the area of criminals responsible for the raids.
On Sunday 23, 2025, Governor Lobong have cautioned some families for hiding criminals in their homes.
According to Lobong the incidents of some community members harbouring the criminal elements contributes to the recurring insecurity within the town.