The International Organization for Migration or IOM strongly condemns the killing of its three IOM aid workers on Sunday in fighting between armed groups in Morobo County, Yei River State.
‘We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleagues and we extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and friends,’ said IOM South Sudan Chief of Mission, Jean-Philippe Chauzy in Juba.
‘We call for the perpetrators of these senseless acts of violence against innocent civilians and humanitarians to be brought to justice’, the official added.
The IOM volunteers, one female and two males, were caught in a crossfire during in Isebi of Morobo County.
Two other male volunteers suffered injuries, one of whom is recovering from a gunshot wound.
A female volunteer and a four-year-old son of the murdered female aid worker were abducted during the attack and their whereabouts remain unknown.
‘The safety of our personnel is paramount and will not be further jeopardized until we secure guarantees for the security of all our personnel operating in MoroboCounty,’ said Chief of Mission Chauzy.
‘No effort will be spared to support the grieving families and we reiterate our commitment to support the people of South Sudan.’
IOM Director-General Antonio Vitorino expressed his ‘great pain and revulsion’ at the assaults on civilians.
‘We grieve alongside our staff in South Sudan, for the families of the victims and reiterate that humanitarians and civilians are not and should never be subjected to such heinous acts of violence ‚Äì we are not a target,’ he said.
The UN migration agency suspended Ebola screening at Isebi, Bazi, Kirikwa, Lasu and Okaba points of entry including operations of monitoring points and support to health facilities.