Bishop Hiiboro described the late Mbia as “a true son of the Church,” raised in the Catholic tradition and once a seminarian, who went on to serve as a committed public servant and educational visionary.

By Emmanuel Mandella

Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio in Western Equatoria State has condemned the killing of Peter Mbia, as a “barbaric, illegal, and utterly un-Christian act.”

He said his death is not only a personal loss to the Church but a national moral failure.

Late Mbia was the Director General in the state ministry of education.

“To take a man’s life in such a cowardly and violent manner, especially one who dedicated his years to building the minds and lives of others, is both a personal tragedy and a national disgrace,” Bishop Hiiboro declared.

Mr. Mbia was gunned down in his home in Napere, a Yambio suburb, on Saturday evening by three armed men on a motorbike.The assailants fired over 15 bullets at him in front of his family. No arrests have been made. However, investigations are ongoing.

Bishop Hiiboro described Mbia as “a true son of the Church,” raised in the Catholic tradition and once a seminarian, who went on to serve as a committed public servant and educational visionary.

“We have recklessly lost a phenomenal leader, a committed Christian, and a true teacher of teachers,” the Bishop said.

Beyond his government role, Mbia was a pivotal figure in Western Equatoria’s education history. During the liberation struggle, he risked his life to bring education to the remotest areas, carrying books and materials by foot, on bicycle or motorbike to start schools when the state system had collapsed.

He also served in the Diocesan Catholic Education Board and the Board of Solidarity Teachers Training College, shaping education policy and mentoring future teachers across the state.

“The gift of literacy and knowledge many enjoy in our state today was watered by his sweat and sacrifice,” Bishop Hiiboro said.

“If there was a grievance, the courts should have spoken.”

The Bishop did not hold back in his call for justice, demanding swift and transparent accountability from both national and state authorities.

“If there was any accusation, conflict, or grievance, the court of law is the only acceptable place to seek redress. Taking the law into one’s own hands is lawlessness and must be met with the full force of justice.”

He also issued a sharp warning to security institutions, urging them to rise to their duty to protect lives and restore public confidence.

“The people of South Sudan must not live in fear, especially not in their own homes,” he added.

As emotions run high across the state, Bishop Hiiboro made a heartfelt plea to citizens to reject violence and tribal retaliation.

“Let this tragedy not divide us. Let our mourning not become a weapon. Let us, as a people, overcome evil with good.”

While quoting the Holy Scripture, Bishop Hiiboro called on South Sudanese to be peacemakers, urging the faithful and the wider community to honor Mr. Mbia’s legacy by continuing his work and walking the path of unity and truth.

“His light will not be extinguished. His legacy will live on in our hearts, in our classrooms, and in the generations he helped shape.”

The tragic loss of a man who devoted his life to education and peace is now galvanizing both church and civil voices to demand for real change, not just in justice delivery, but in how individuals choose to resolve its differences.