Panic tore through the main market in Zaki-Biam on Monday. In a bold attack, unidentified gunmen walked in and shot dead a man named Kyoga Joka. The killing happened in front of traders and shoppers, who then fled for their lives.
The victim was not just any man. Joka was a former bandit who had turned his life around. He had joined the local Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), a community security group, and was working to bring peace to the Ukum area. His death is a major blow to efforts aimed at convincing other fighters to surrender.
Witnesses described a scene of sudden chaos. The assailants, whose motives are still unknown, targeted Joka directly and opened fire. He died on the spot. The sound of gunshots sent people running in all directions, leaving the once-busy market empty and terrified.
This killing sends a dangerous message. By murdering a man who chose peace, the gunmen have shown that no one is safe. It creates fear among others who might want to leave a life of crime, threatening the fragile stability of the region.
For the community, Joka’s death is a symbol of hope destroyed. His work with the JTF was a step toward normal life. Now, his murder has left residents questioning if peace is even possible, casting a long shadow over the town’s future.
