Former Rubkona Commissioner Arrested After Allegedly Opening Fire on Security Officers

By Simon Deng

The former Commissioner of Rubkona County, Salam Maluit, was arrested on Thursday in Unity State after allegedly opening fire on security and police officers at Rubkona Airstrip.

 The incident was confirmed by Nyakenya Johannes Keah, the state’s caretaker Minister of Information and Communication.

In a statement issued Thursday, Keah explained that Maluit had been instructed to go to the airstrip unarmed but insisted on entering with multiple firearms. Security personnel had also directed Maluit to wait at the residence of gubernatorial aspirant Michael Changjiek, but he refused.

According to Keah, Maluit’s alleged shooting prompted an immediate security response, leading to his arrest to prevent further escalation and restore order.

“Upon his arrival, he allegedly opened fire on security personnel and police officers, prompting an immediate security response that resulted in his arrest to prevent further escalation and restore order,” Keah stated.

Keah further disclosed that Maluit was advised to proceed to the airport without weapons but insisted on entering “as a soldier with multiple firearms.”

 He was also directed by security operatives to wait at the residence of gubernatorial aspirant Michael Changjiek but refused and insisted on proceeding to the airstrip while heavily armed.

Changjiek, a gubernatorial aspirant for Unity State, previously served as Deputy Governor of Unity State under former Governor Taban Deng Gai and as National Minister of Land, Housing, and Urban Development.

Unity State, home to significant oil-producing facilities, frequently experiences political disputes, armed confrontations, and rivalry among senior government and opposition leaders.

Maluit is alleged to be a supporter of Michael Changjiek, who is considered a rival candidate to the current caretaker Governor of Unity State, Joseph Nguen Manytuil.