South Sudan’s Diocese of Tombura Yambio has officially declared a mi-ssing priest, Fr Luke Yugue Mbokusa, and his driver, Mr Michael Gbeko, formally dead. “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of official Funeral Prayers for our priest and colleague, Rev. Father Luke Yugue, and his driver, Michael Gbeko, who went missing on 27 April 2024, when on their way from Nagero County to Tombura County. The funeral prayers will start on Thursday, 23rd– 25th May 2024, and end with a funeral Holy Mass on Saturday (25 May 2024) at St Mary, Mother of God Catholic Parish,” said the local Ordinary. He urged parishes in the diocese to observe the days of the funeral as announced.
Bp Kussala continued, “From that darkest Saturday, 27 April, when Fr Luke Yugue and Michael Gbeko went missing, we have made so many enquiries to find them alive or dead, but sadly to no avail. As we go into this funeral peri-od, our quest for Search, Truth, and Jus-tice will not stop,” he assured. Bp Kussala was quick to appeal for calm and took time to dissuade any unilateral violent acts of revenge. He told the faithful of the diocese, friends and family that despite their pain and loss, they needed to hold fast to the tenets of the Gospel, their faith and let the law take its course.