By Bosco Bush
Abductors of two medical staff and a local chief are now demanding a ransom of SSP 2 million.
On July 20, 2024, in Morobo County, two medical staff and a local chief were abducted by alleged members of the National Salvation Front.
According to the office of the Commissioner of Morobo County, the kidnappers are still holding the abductees captive and demanding a 2 million South Sudanese Pounds ransom as of Tuesday.
Commissioner, Joseph Mawa stated that the government is not entitled to pay ‘rebels’ ransoms– as such he has handed over the issue to the peace and international bodies in Morobo; CTSAMVM, ICRC and UNMISS to facilitate the release of the abductees.
“They are demanding 2 million SSP so that these guys should be released. Yesterday (Monday) I gave the number to those of ICRC, UNMISS and CTSAMVM. They are still engaging them.”
“I told them, we as a government cannot pay rebels a ransom,” Mawa stated.
The three abductees are Mr. Emmanuel Moro (driver), Mrs. Nema Given (midwife) and Yoasa Kari (chief/headman). The midwife is said to be a lactating mother.
In early July, authorities and residents in the neighboring Yei River Country reported similar incidents of abductions and disappearances of civilians which is believed to be perpetrated by the NAS rebels in the area.
NAS is yet to comment on the allegation.
Last week during a council of ministers meeting on Thursday, the Central Equatoria State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement presented a memo on security concerns, highlighting crimes such as killings, abductions, injuries, and gang robberies in various parts of the state.