By Sabri Dibaco
Three people have been killed and 10 others abducted in two separate incidents reported in Western Equatoria State over the weekend.
Western Equatoria State Minister of Information Mohamed Juma Bisti said one of the attacks occurred on Saturday along the road between Kotobi Payam and Karika Boma in Mundri West County.
According to Minister Juma, a vehicle carrying security personnel was attacked while returning from an official mission in Yambio, the capital of the state.
He said three people were killed in the incident: an SSPDF soldier, a police officer, and a civilian.
The minister condemned the attack and called for those responsible to be identified and held accountable.
In a separate incident, Juma said unidentified gunmen attacked the residence of a Congolese businessman at Makpandu Camp on the evening of September 11.
He said the attackers reportedly set the businessman’s house on fire before taking about 2 million South Sudanese pounds and 150 US dollars.
The minister said the government was concerned about the incidents and urged communities in the affected areas to cooperate with security authorities.
He called on residents to provide information that could assist investigations and help bring those responsible to justice.
The latest incidents add to growing security concerns in parts of Western Equatoria State, where attacks, abductions, and road insecurity have affected civilians and travellers in some areas.
Authorities have repeatedly urged communities to work with security forces to prevent violence and improve the protection of people and property.
The government has not yet publicly identified those suspected of carrying out the latest attacks, and investigations into the incidents are reportedly ongoing.