(WARRAP) — A senior church elder from the Seventh day Adventist Church in Greater Bahr el-Ghazal was shot dead and a pastor seriously injured in an attack by an unknown gunman in Warrap town, Tonj North County, on the evening of 29 June 2025.
According to an official statement released on 3 July 2025 by the church’s Communication Director, William Wol Adewun, the attack occurred around 7:00 PM near the area of Panda-odhie on the outskirts of Warrap town.
The victims, Pastor Joseph Ayii Agiu Kuot (also known as Ayii Makuek) and Elder James Mangong Akol Anyar, were travelling by motorbike after officiating a wedding ceremony earlier that day.
The wedding had been conducted by Pastor Martin Manyiel Maluil at the Warrap Seventh-day Adventist Central Church. As the pastor and elder made their way towards Panthiou, they were ambushed by an unidentified gunman who opened fire on them.
Elder James Mangong Akol was killed instantly, while Pastor Ayii sustained a gunshot wound to the back. The bullet reportedly passed through both victims. The assailant fled the scene, taking with them Pastor Ayii’s mobile phone and motorbike.
Pastor Ayii was rushed to Wau Teaching Hospital the same night, where he successfully underwent surgery to remove the bullet. The church confirmed that his condition is stable following the operation.
In its statement, the Seventh day Adventist Church expressed deep sorrow and strong condemnation of the attack, calling it a tragic loss and an unjustified act of violence against individuals who were serving their community in a peaceful and unifying role.
“The late Elder James Mangong and Pastor Ayii were engaged in promoting social harmony through the officiation of a wedding—a symbol of peace and coexistence in the community,” the church noted.
The church further raised concern over increasing insecurity in parts of Warrap State, especially in Warrap town, where incidents involving unidentified armed individuals have become more frequent. It expressed particular alarm that religious leaders—who are often seen as agents of peace and reconciliation—are now being targeted.
As a result, the church has called on the Warrap State government and the Tonj North County authorities to carry out a full and transparent investigation into the attack. It urged the responsible institutions to bring the perpetrators to justice and to take steps to end the ongoing threat posed by unknown gunmen in the area.
“To the families of the affected, we mourn with you and keep you in our prayers during this difficult time,” the statement read. “May the God of all comfort strengthen your hearts.”
The Seventh day Adventist Church has sent copies of the statement to the Warrap State government, the Tonj North County Commissioner and media outlets, appealing for urgent action and justice.
