By: Radio Emmanuel News Team
The Government of Eastern Equatoria State has called on the administration of Greater Pibor to investigate and apprehend those responsible for a deadly road ambush that occurred along the Torit–Juba Highway on May 26, 2025. The attack resulted in the deaths of two civilians and left four others injured.
According to Hon. Elia John Ahaji, the State Minister of Information and government spokesperson, the incident took place near Kor Delep, where armed youth believed to be from the Murle community in Greater Pibor threatened two charcoal burners at gunpoint. The attackers opened fire on a passing business vehicle, killing the driver and a passenger from Jonglei State.
“Exactly on May 26, around midday, a group of armed youth from the Murle community ambushed two young men from Torit County who were burning charcoal near the Juba–Torit road. They threatened the two men with death if no vehicle appeared at Kor Delep. When a business vehicle traveling from Torit to Juba arrived, the attackers seized the opportunity to attack the vehicle, allowing the young men to escape. Some of the attackers pursued them, while others fired shots at random at the vehicle, tragically resulting in the death of two individuals—a driver and a man from Jonglei State,” Hon. Elia stated.
In response, the Eastern Equatoria government has urged Greater Pibor authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. The state remains committed to upholding peaceful coexistence and addressing security concerns through collaborative efforts.
“The Government of Eastern Equatoria strongly condemns these unlawful acts against our peace-loving citizens. We urge the authorities of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area to investigate and apprehend these criminals who have chosen to survive through illegal means, ensuring they face the full force of the law. This is our humble appeal and our usual appeal to our people, our good brothers from the Murle Administrative Area. We have been enjoying a good collaborative working environment with you. We know we can never get tired of ensuring the security of our population. So kindly investigate these individuals so that they can be held accountable for their actions,” Hon. Elia emphasized.
The government spokesperson assured the public that security forces and local youth have traced the criminals’ footprints leading into the Lafon desert. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have called on the youth in Lafon and Lopit areas to remain vigilant and protect their communities from potential threats.
“The State Government assures the people of Eastern Equatoria and all South Sudanese that the security situation remains stable across the state. Our forces and the youth have traced the criminals and discovered they have fled towards the Lafon desert. The road remains safe, vehicles are moving, and there is no need to fear because these are criminals who came from far and have gone. The people are conducting their normal business. We also call on the youth of Eastern Equatoria, especially those in Lafon and Lopit areas and Torit West, to remain vigilant in protecting our children and livestock from these criminal Murle youths who are roaming in our forests looking for opportunities to kidnap our children and conduct cattle raiding,” Hon. Elia urged.
The Eastern Equatoria government continues to prioritize the safety and security of its citizens and is committed to fostering peace and stability in the region.