Tombura Residents Cry Out for Help as Violence Spirals Out of Control
In the midst of escalating violence, residents of Tombura are sounding the alarm, pleading for state authorities to take immediate action to restore peace and security in the once-peaceful town.
In the past two weeks, members of the Balanda community have faced unprecedented brutality, including brutal killings, homes reduced to ashes, arbitrary arrests, and rampant shootings that have left many injured. Despite the presence of deployed forces meant to ensure their safety, residents claim that these forces have instead become a source of terror.
The situation came to a head last night when Dr. Michael, a respected member of the community, was shot and injured in his residence at Barracks in Tombura. Witnesses claim that the attack occurred under the watch of military forces stationed in the area.
Residents are now calling for the immediate relocation of Deputy Commander Baberebu and his Zande fighters, who they accuse of orchestrating attacks against the Balanda community. “We need neutral forces to be deployed in Tombura to restore peace and ensure fairness. Baberebu and his men have proven to be a threat, not protectors,” said a community leader.
The silence from state and county authorities has only added to the community’s anger, with many accusing them of abandoning their responsibility to protect lives and property. The county commissioner, Matthew Mabenge, has come under fire for his alleged bias and dismissive stance.
As tensions continue to rise, residents are left feeling abandoned and desperate. The violence has not only claimed lives but has also displaced countless families, leaving them without shelter or support.
Community leaders are calling for urgent intervention from higher authorities, emphasizing the need for impartial investigations and tangible steps to restore peace. “We need the truth, accountability, and immediate action. This cannot continue,” insisted one resident.
As Tombura teeters on the brink of disaster, residents are looking to God and the constitution for solace and strength. But without decisive state action and the removal of biased forces, the community fears that the violence will only escalate, leaving more devastation in its wake.
