By Emmanuel Mandella

The early-morning attack on a security checkpoint in Bazungua Payam that left a police officer and his child dead has been widely condemned as a direct challenge to state authority and law enforcement in Western Equatoria State, raising renewed concerns over the fragility of security around the state capital.

The incident occurred on Monday morning when suspected armed rebels stormed a checkpoint near Bazungua, located outside Yambio town, opening fire and setting houses ablaze before fleeing the area. At least 14 houses were burned during the attack, forcing residents to flee and leaving the community in shock.

Local sources say the attackers specifically targeted the checkpoint manned by organized forces, an act many observers say goes beyond random violence and points to an intentional effort to undermine government presence and authority in the area.

A community leader from Bazungua described the attack as calculated and terrifying.

“They came very early in the morning and attacked the checkpoint directly, gunshots were heard. The checkpoint was burned, and houses were set on fire. People had no choice but to run for their lives,” the source said.

The attack claimed the lives of a police officer identified as Elia Madangi and his child, a killing that has deepened public outrage and fears over the safety of security personnel and their families.

Yambio County Commissioner Angelo Bakote confirmed the incident, saying he received an official report at around 5 a.m. while residents were preparing for the Azande Kingdom’s anniversary celebrations.

“I was informed that suspected SPLM/A-IO rebels attacked Bazungua Payam, burning houses and a checkpoint belonging to the organized forces. A police officer and his child were killed during the incident, and several homes were destroyed,” Commissioner Bakote said.

Local leaders say attacking a checkpoint is a symbolic and strategic act, aimed at weakening state control and sending a message of defiance to authorities.

“This is not just an attack on civilians; it is an attack on the government’s ability to protect its people, when checkpoints are attacked, it shows an attempt to erase the presence of the state,” said a local civil society activist in Yambio.

Residents say the violence has revived memories of past insecurity that displaced thousands across Yambio County and surrounding areas. Many fear that continued attacks on security installations could reverse recent gains in stability.

According to eyewitnesses, families fled with little more than the clothes they were wearing.

“People are tired. We want peace, not guns. We want freedom to farm, rebuild our homes, and raise our children without fear,” the community leader said.

The timing of the attack has also raised concern, as it occurred during preparations for a major cultural celebration in the Azande Kingdom, an event meant to promote unity, peace, and cultural identity.

Local authorities say insecurity not only threatens lives but also disrupts farming activities at a critical time, raising fears of food shortages in the coming months.

Commissioner Bakote urged calm as authorities work to verify details and reinforce security in the area.

“We are working to establish the facts and ensure stability. Peace is necessary for people to continue farming and for communities to recover,” he said.

Community leaders are now calling on the national government and security agencies to strengthen protection around Yambio and surrounding payams, warning that failure to respond decisively could embolden further attacks on state institutions.

“This violence must stop. We need the government to assert its authority so that civilians can live in peace,” the anonymous leader stressed.

As investigations continue, the Bazungua attack stands as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges facing South Sudan’s security sector and the urgent need to protect both state institutions and the civilians who depend on them.