The Prime Minister needs to step in to maintain security for the people of Gambella because it appears now that things are getting out of hands. Mrs Alemitu, the President of the Gambella National and Regional State, appears to have no solution in stopping the ongoing violence on Nuer.

This assertion is due to endless killings on Nuer. On Friday, 28/11/2025 (19/03/2018 E.C), two people were killed in Makhot Kebele of Itang Special Woreda. The incident occurred at approximately 3:00 p.m. Ethiopian Local Time (9:00 p.m. East Africa Time).

The victims were asleep in their mosquito nets while working on maize farms along the riverbank. According to local accounts, unidentified armed assailants opened fire on them during the night. The men may not have been aware of the attack as they were sleeping. The perpetrators fled the scene immediately after the shooting.

The killings took place following unverified rumours circulating on social media on Thursday 27/11/2025 (18/03/2018 E.C) about a meeting allegedly held within the Anyuak community discussing potential attacks on Nuer individuals.

In the past, security measures had been heavily focused on protecting public transportation routes due to previous incidents targeting Nuer passengers traveling between the Nuer Zone and Gambella town. Villages near inter-ethnic boundaries, however, were less protected but locals were not sure they are also a target.

This attack represents a shift in the pattern of violence in the region as it seems the Anyuaks are not letting up. These incidents have reinforced fears among many peace-loving people as targeted killings and the lack of accountability for such crimes is now a daily norm.

Since the beginning of Mrs. Alemitu administration as President of Gambella National and Regional State, approximately 40 Nuer individuals have been killed in various incidents. Many victims were attacked while farming near Gambella town or while bathing in local tributaries such as the Jeb Jebe.

There have also been attacks on university lecturers traveling to work in neighbouroods near Anyuak communities. One such case involved Duoth Chot Nen, a lecturer at the Gambella Teachers, Education, and Health Science College, who was fatally shot while commuting to work on a bike.

A suspect was arrested in Itang Woreda two days later, approximately 67 kilometres from the crime scene. The suspect was later released after less than a year in detention on the notion that he was going for a funeral while his victim is rotten in grave. This raised concerns among the victim’s family and community who want a strong deterrance for all these low life dogs. .

It is apparent that the regional government has not adequately addressed these crimes. In reality, police responses to incidents involving Nuer victims are inconsistent with principles of law enforcement.

Such a case is obvious with the Friday killing where authorities did not attend the scene of the recent killings along the Baro River or facilitate medical transport for survivors.

This brings a lot of frustration among residents particularly from Itang constituencies who argued their MPs have not raised these issues within the regional council.

This situation is becoming increasingly dangerous and we urge the federal government—including the Prime Minister—to intervene to prevent further loss of life.

People have to be fool not to note that this is becoming more like tensions during previous regional administrations of former President, Ato Omot Ojulu, which saw cycles of inter-communal violence.

Leaving criminals on the loose is inadequate justice mechanisms and that is what now the Nuer are observing. It is dangerous since it accelerates unresolved grievances and it contributes to retaliatory attacks, placing civilians at heightened risk.

Unless steps are taken to improve security, strengthen accountability, and ensure equal protection for all communities, the region may face further instability.

We urge the current administration under President Alemitu to seek help from the federal government to prioritize justice and  safety of all residents to prevent a return to past patterns of violence.

This article was written by Pam Chuol Joack, a Gambella Vision contributor specializing in Gambella affairs. He can be reached at pc*****@***il.com.