The yesterday attack on a passenger bus traveling through Abol district has stirred a wave of unrest and suspicion in the Nuer Zone and Gambella at large.

In response to growing tension, voices from within the community are now calling on Nuer Zone Chief Administrator, Mr. Rial Jing to initiate formal legal action against members of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), who are being accused of involvement in the shooting.

This demand signals a shift from emotional reaction to a call for lawful accountability. Community leaders and residents insist that justice must be pursued through legal channels, not through speculation or street accusations.

They argue that if national forces are suspected, then due process should be triggered immediately, not only to address the current tragedy but to set a standard for how civilian harm is handled in the region.

The situation has taken a complicated turn last night. The Regional Police Commission released a statement claiming the attack was carried out by Ethiopian National Defence Force members. Yet, provided no clear motive or investigative details. This vague statement has only deepened scepticism.

Some community members believe the blame is being deliberately directed at the national army to divert the attention from the real attackers, raising concerns that political interests may be overshadowing the truth.

At this stage, the public is not only grieving, but they are also demanding clarity. The core question now extends beyond who fired the shots to who is shaping the narrative. If there is evidence, it must be made public. If there is doubt, an independent investigation must be deployed immediately.

In a region already sensitive to insecurity and mistrust, truth is more than a demand, it is a necessity for stability. Whether Mr. Rial Jing proceeds with legal filings or not, the credibility of local authority will be measured by the pursuit of transparent justice, not by silence or political caution.

Note: This political article is written by Pam Chuol Joack (MSc) a former Ethiopian Federal Parliamentarian, columnist, political analyst, and researcher at Gambella Vision, Gambella Regional State, specializing in the Horn of Africa. He can be reached at pc*********@************on.net