 fleeing brutal violence in Maruko village remain stranded without food, clean water, shelter, or medical care. Local authorities warn that without immediate intervention, the lives of hundreds—especially women and children—are at serious risk.){kind=link}
By Ginaba Lino
Ibba County, South Sudan – A looming humanitarian disaster is unfolding in Ibba County as scores of internally displaced persons (IDPs) fleeing brutal violence in Maruko village remain stranded without food, clean water, shelter, or medical care. Local authorities warn that without immediate intervention, the lives of hundreds—especially women and children—are at serious risk.
Barbara Alson, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Officer with the Ibba County Health Department, visited the IDP site on Thursday as part of a county-level assessment mission. What he witnessed, he described as “deeply alarming.”
“The situation is dire. Women and children are sleeping in the open, without food or medical support,” Alson said. “Some children were visibly sick, and there is absolutely no system in place to help them. This is a ticking time bomb.”
The displacement, which began early last month, was triggered by an attack on Maruko village by armed men allegedly recruiting young people by force and looting civilian property. In fear for their lives, residents fled en masse to Ibba County.
“These armed men stormed the area, forcing youths into the bush and stealing from families. People had no choice but to flee,” Alson explained.
Despite the growing humanitarian crisis, there has been no official response from the state or national government. Alson confirmed that the issue has yet to be escalated beyond the county level.
“The state has not yet responded. We hope that by Monday, this crisis will reach the state authorities. But we are already behind time.”
Efforts to determine the exact number of displaced persons remain incomplete, as new arrivals continue to trickle into the county. Local chiefs have been tasked with compiling accurate data for submission to the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC).
“The most urgent needs are safe drinking water, food, and shelter,” said Alson. “These are non-negotiable. Without them, we will start losing lives.”
Alson delivered a direct and urgent appeal to humanitarian agencies, NGOs, and all levels of government.
“We are appealing—loudly—for support. This cannot wait for bureaucracy. Pregnant women, sick children, and entire families are living in extremely dangerous conditions. If help doesn’t come now, this will become a full-blown humanitarian tragedy.”
Barbara Alson works with the Ibba County Government as an IPC officer said, the IDPs are currently been hosted in in Nanguruza
As of now, there has been no official response from the State government regarding the plight of the displaced families in Ibba County.