By Sabri Dibaco
More than 20 people are reportedly missing following two separate attacks along the Lui-Juba Road in Western Equatoria State, according to the acting Mundri East County Commissioner.
Benson George said the first attack occurred at Marile at around 8:00 p.m., when unknown gunmen attacked people returning to Lanyi after harvesting honey.
One person was reportedly shot in the leg during the attack and is receiving treatment at Lanyi Primary Health Care Center, George said.
He said a second attack occurred at around 1:00 a.m. between Lanyi and Lui, where two vehicles carrying passengers returning from a funeral in Maridi came under attack.
According to George, the passengers were taken to an unknown location before the two vehicles were set on fire.
“More than 20 people were abducted, and their whereabouts remain unknown,” George said.
He added that security forces responded to the incident on Sunday morning but were unable to locate the attackers or the missing passengers.
The attacks have raised concerns over the safety of travellers using the Lui-Juba Road, an important route linking communities in Western Equatoria with Juba and other parts of South Sudan.
The road is regularly used by civilians, traders, and other travellers, making security along the route important for the movement of people and goods.
The latest incidents have heightened concerns among travellers moving between Lui, Lanyi, Maridi, and Juba, particularly during nighttime hours.
The identity and motive of the attackers remain unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.