By Sabri Dibaco
The government of Warrap State has appealed for calm following the targeted killing of a teacher and agriculture graduate, Ustaz Michael Major Madut, who was shot dead by unknown assailants in Wau Town on Monday afternoon.
In a statement issued after the incident, the state government strongly condemned the killing and urged residents to remain peaceful as authorities work to address recurring insecurity along the border between Warrap State and Western Bahr el Ghazal State.
According to the statement, Madut, a member of the Puon Tok community, was attacked at around 3:00 p.m. while working at the Eastern Bank in Wau alongside two colleagues. The attackers, who were reportedly riding a motorcycle and are alleged to be from the Marial Wau community, selectively shot him before fleeing the scene.
The deceased was a graduate in agriculture from the Catholic University in Wau and was serving as a teacher at Puon Tok Secondary School while also working at the bank.
The state government expressed condolences to the bereaved family and called on communities to avoid retaliatory violence.
“We appeal for calm and resilience while extending heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and the entire educational fraternity,” the statement said.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to working jointly with the government of Western Bahr el Ghazal State to prevent further violence and end what it described as periodic attacks affecting communities along the Manyang border corridor.
“The governments of Warrap and Western Bahr el Ghazal States shall work collectively to put an end to these periodic attacks by both conflicting parties in the Manyang border area and specifically to end the systematic targeting of innocent members of the Punggir community living in Wau Town,” the statement added.
The statement further noted that the administration of Governor Ambassador Bol Wek Agoth remains committed to implementing resolutions reached during the Inter-State Security Meeting on the Manyang Crisis held on 24 June 2026, which aimed to promote peaceful coexistence between the Marial Wau and Puon Tok communities.
Authorities did not indicate whether any suspects had been arrested by the time the statement was issued, but investigations into the killing are expected to continue.
The Manyang border area has witnessed repeated communal tensions and sporadic violence involving members of the Marial Wau and Puon Tok communities, resulting in loss of life and displacement over the years.
In an effort to restore peace, leaders from Warrap and Western Bahr el Ghazal States have held a series of interstate security meetings, including one on 24 June 2026, where both governments resolved to strengthen cooperation, enhance security patrols, and encourage dialogue between the communities.
The killing of Ustaz Michael Major Madut has renewed concerns over the fragile security situation and the need for sustained peacebuilding efforts in the area.