By Yang Ater Yang
In a disturbing incident, a team of humanitarian workers from the agricultural company Avasi were ambushed and robbed while traveling to Gurmar in Wulu County, Lakes State.
According to the police, the attack occurred around 2:00 PM on Tuesday when a group of 6 criminals, 5 of whom were armed, intercepted the 3 Avasi staff members.
“The criminals shot and wounded one person in the head, but luckily the bullet just grazed between the bone and skin,” said Police Spokesperson Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac.
“They also severely beat two other Avasi staff members.”
The robbers made off with a significant haul, including the victims’ iPhones, other phones, and over 500,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) in cash. They also took the keys to the company’s motorcycle.
“Luckily, the Avasi staff were able to escape from the robbers and make it back to Wulu County, where they are now receiving medical treatment,” Maj. Makuac added.
The wounded victim has been admitted to the Wulu County Primary Health Care Center, while the two beaten staff members are also being treated in the county.
One of the victims claimed to recognize one of the assailants as someone he had met previously in Rumbek town, though he could not recall the person’s name.
Maj. Makuac stated that the rest of the criminals were likely from different parts of Lakes State.
“This is not the first time we’ve received reports of criminal activities in this particular direction,” the police spokesperson said. “Just last month, we had a report of 22 goats being raided by a similar group of criminals.”
Angelina Adhel, the Chairperson of the Civil Society Network in Lakes State (CiSON), condemned the attack and called for action.
“If we are to see a resumption of such criminal activities, it poses a threat to the community and humanitarian workers alike,” Adhel said.
“The local authorities and traditional leaders must play their part in identifying and bringing these perpetrators to justice, setting an example to deter others from engaging in such acts.”
Adhel emphasized that the people of Lakes State are generally peaceful and law-abiding, and she urged the community to reject this “bad culture” of highway robbery and looting.
She stressed the importance of maintaining a secure environment for humanitarian efforts and the overall well-being of the population.
The police have vowed to intensify their efforts to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in this latest road robbery, ensuring that justice is served for the victims and the wider community.