The Anglican bishop of the Diocese of Lui in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State narrowly escaped an ambush on Monday after armed men intercepted his vehicle while he was travelling to a funeral in Maridi County, according to church and security officials.

Rt Rev Stephen Dokolo was travelling along the Lui–Mundri road with six other church members when the group was stopped by armed attackers. The delegation included two male pastors, three female pastors and a driver, who is also a pastor.

Church officials said the attackers forced the group out of their vehicle and robbed them of money, mobile phones and other personal items before fleeing the scene. A local resident, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, told Radio Tamazuj that the assailants took all valuables and ordered the group to leave the area.

Western Equatoria State Police Commissioner Maj Gen Phillip Madut Tong confirmed the incident, saying the archbishop and his companions were briefly detained but not physically harmed.

“No one was killed or assaulted,” Tong said, adding that the church officials later continued their journey and arrived safely at their destination.

He said security forces attempted to pursue the attackers but they had already escaped, accusing rebel elements operating in the area of being responsible. Tong noted that calm had since returned and urged travellers to remain vigilant during the Christmas season, saying police patrols would remain active on major roads.

Maridi County Commissioner Alfred Mirri also confirmed the incident. Efforts to reach the Mundri East County commissioner for comment were unsuccessful.

Despite the ambush, Archbishop Dokolo and his team reached Maridi later in the day. Church leaders condemned the attack and raised concerns about ongoing insecurity along major highways, calling on authorities to strengthen protection for travellers.

The Greater Mundri area has recently experienced renewed insecurity, with clashes reported between government forces and a joint force of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition and the National Salvation Front.