By Manas James
Three people have been killed and at least two children abducted on Thursday when armed bandits launched an attack in Nyirol County, Jonglei State.
Nyirol County commissioner, James Bol Makuey confirmed the incident to No. 1 Citizen Newspaper, saying the attack was on travelers.
He said the ill-fated incident occurred at Thakroal, a location situated between Cwil and Langkiwn, where the travelers were waylaid by the armed bandits.
Makuey explained that armed youth believed to be from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) ambushed travelers who were returning to their homes in Langkiwn.
The victims were part of returnees from Sudan, fleeing the conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Army.
“In the attack on Thursday, three people were killed and two kids were abducted, while the rest of the travelers escaped unharmed,” he said.
The county commissioner condemned the attack.
He strongly denounced the actions of the armed bandits and conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
Commissioner Makuey emphasized the need for increased security measures in the region to safeguard the lives and property of the local population.
“Three days ago, we returned some abductees to Pibor. We don’t understand why their youth are still engaged in these attacks,” he said. “We appeal to the GPAA authorities to control their youth for peace to prevail.
On his part, Abraham Kelang, the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) information minister, said they were not aware of the attack.
“We are for peace with our Jonglei State counterparts. A few days later, they returned some abductees, and we did the same,” he continued. “So, once we are provided with details on this attack by Jonglei State, we will investigate if the attackers are really from Murle so that they are apprehended.”