By Kei Emmanuel Duku and Rose Nakwam
Central Equatoria State (CES) has condemned abduction of ten civilians, demanding their immediate and unconditional release.
The civilians, including two women, were reportedly abducted by armed militants linked to Gen. Thomas Cirilo Sawaka, leader of the National Salvation Front (NAS).
The abductions occurred over the weekend in Lasu Payam, Yei River County.
Leon Abe Brown, the state Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency, condemned the act as “inhuman and barbaric” during a media briefing following the weekly security committee meeting. He called for the abductees’ swift return.
Minister Abe also highlighted a separate incident where two passenger vehicles were attacked and subsequently set ablaze by armed men in Morobo County, also allegedly affiliated with the NAS Forces.
“We are appealing for their unconditional release. These acts by anti-peace elements are unacceptable and are condemned in the strongest terms possible,” Abe stated, emphasizing the government’s firm stance against such violence.
The weekly security committee meeting, chaired by the Acting Governor of Central Equatoria State, Paulino Lukudu Obede, focused heavily on the escalating threats posed by “anti-peace elements” within the state.
Discussions underscored the critical need for enhanced collaboration among various security agencies to effectively counter these challenges and protect civilians.
During the meeting, the committee stressed the importance of timely coordination and cooperation among state security agencies.
This collaborative approach, Minister Abe explained, is crucial for improving service delivery and strengthening the overall provision of security to citizens across Central Equatoria.
Minister Abe further appealed to the general public to embrace peace and unity, reassuring them of the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing security threats posed by these “anti-peace lovers” in different areas of the state.
The routine weekly briefing was held earlier in the week at Kator Block, Juba City Council.
Its primary objective was to conduct a comprehensive review of the security situation across the state, ensuring that measures are in place to guarantee civilian safety and stability.