The office of the Nuer Development Association (NDA) in Gambella was robbed late last night following a violent confrontation between unknown assailants and a security guard on duty, according to
Nuer development Association was robbed last night
eyewitness accounts and local sources familiar with the incident.
The attack occurred during the late hours of the night, when unidentified individuals reportedly forced their way into the association’s premises under the cover of darkness.
Residents in the area said the surroundings were quiet at the time, with little movement, which may have allowed the suspects to operate unnoticed until the confrontation escalated.
Eyewitnesses who spoke independently described a sudden struggle inside the compound after the security guard attempted to challenge the intruders. Rather than retreating, the attackers allegedly turned on the guard, subjecting him to a brutal assault.
Several witnesses said the guard was repeatedly struck on his hands with a sharp weapon believed to be a panga, causing severe injuries and forcing him to collapse.
“The guard did not run away,” said one resident who lives near the office and requested anonymity for security reasons. “He tried to protect the place. That is when they attacked him with extreme violence.”
The assailants are believed to have proceeded with the robbery after overpowering the guard. Although the exact items taken from the office had not been officially listed by the time of reporting, sources close to the association indicated that important office property and documents may have been targeted. An assessment of the losses is ongoing.
Following the attack, the injured guard was rushed to Gambella Primary Hospital, where he was admitted for emergency treatment.
Medical staff confirmed that he sustained serious injuries to his hands and arms due to deep cuts inflicted during the assault. A hospital source stated that the guard’s condition is serious but stable, and that he remains under close medical observation.
“The injuries are severe, but he is alive and responding to treatment,” the source said. “Doctors are doing everything possible to prevent long-term damage.”
The robbery has sparked concern among community members, particularly given the violent nature of the attack and the targeting of a civic organization’s office.
Many residents expressed fear that such incidents reflect a broader problem of insecurity in the area, especially during nighttime hours.
Local residents also praised the bravery of the injured guard, describing his actions as an attempt to protect community property at great personal cost.
“What happened to him is painful,” another witness said. “He stood his ground, and now he is fighting for recovery.”As of this writing, local security authorities had begun preliminary investigations into the incident.
Officials are expected to review the scene, collect witness statements, and examine possible evidence left behind by the attackers. No arrests had been announced, and the identities of the suspects remain unknown.
The Nuer Development Association, a community-based organization involved in social and development-related activities, has not yet released an official statement. However, individuals close to the association said its leadership is deeply concerned about the safety of its staff and property and is calling for a thorough investigation and improved security measures.
As the injured guard continues to receive treatment, residents in Gambella are left grappling with questions about security, accountability, and the protection of community institutions.
Many hope that the responsible will be identified and brought to justice, and that concrete steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For now, the office of the Nuer Development Association remains a crime scene and a stark reminder of a violent night that ended in bloodshed, loss, and growing unease across the community.
The author of this article is Pam Chuol Joack, a contributor to Gambella Vision and an analyst of Gambella affairs.
