Lakes state governor survives deadly ambush

January 12, 2015 (RUMBEK) – The caretaker governor of South Sudan’s Lakes state, Maj. Gen. Matur Chut Dhuol survived on Saturday an ambush after gunmen fired at his convoy.

He described the attack as the “worst ever” targeted at the caretaker governor.

“We need extra effort to restore confidence in the public to trust the state government leadership,” the officer, who preferred anonymity, said.

The attack occurred as Dhuol returned from Yirol West county after attending the burial of Lakes state veteran politician, Isaiah Kulang Mabor.

According to eyewitnesses, Dhuol’s body guards used weapons seized from the attackers, while one of the captives was being held at Lakes state prison.

The governor reportedly escaped unhurt, although state security officials declined to disclose what transpired during the ambush.

There have been calls from civil society activists, intellectuals, lawmakers and traditional leaders for president Salva Kiir to relieve the governor, but these calls have been ignored. Dhuol was appointed in January 2013 to replace elected governor Chol Tong Mayay.

(ST)