Authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal have reported a series of deadly attacks in the northern parts of the state and areas south of Meiram Locality, Sudan, resulting in the loss of 10 lives, including three soldiers from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
The assailants are also accused of engaging in looting and kidnapping activities.
William Kolong Pioth, the Regional Peace Coordinator in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that Misseriya tribesmen are responsible for the brutal killing of ten South Sudanese nationals, including soldiers, in the Warn Ayen area of Aweil East County over the past five days.
“In the War Ayen area, we have received reports that two SSPDF soldiers were killed by suspected Misseriya criminals over the past five days. Additionally, six South Sudanese returnees were looted and killed. Furthermore, another South Sudanese returnee was killed after being looted just before yesterday (Monday), bringing the total number of fatalities to ten,” Pioth stated.
He also revealed that eight children were abducted during the attacks, with four of them later reuniting with their families. However, the whereabouts of the remaining four children remain unknown. He said, “We received this information from the joint-border peace committees.”
Akot Kuol, a resident of the border town Warawar, disclosed that he learned about the murders of three South Sudanese nationals on the Majak Wuoy road a few days ago.
Responding to the tragic incident, Angelina Agau Thiep, the Project Manager for Women Intellectual Networks (WIN), strongly condemned the attacks and called on the state government to develop effective security plans to safeguard citizens from such threats.
“We vehemently condemn the killing of ten people. What measures are the government and leaders taking in response to this? It is imperative that strategic security plans be put in place to ensure the protection of every citizen,” Thiep emphasized.
She further expressed the role of civil society organizations in fostering peace among different communities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State and ensuring a peaceful and safe environment for all residents and visitors. By Radio Tamazuj
