By Sabri Dibaco
Western Equatoria State Governor, Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, has condemned the killing of two women and other civilians in a road ambush along the Juba–Mundri road in Mundri East County.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Governor Badagbu expressed concern over the attack, which he said was carried out by unknown gunmen on Thursday.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Western Equatoria, describing the incident as a painful setback to peace and security in the state.
“This is not the Western Equatoria we need. And this is not what we need to be seeing in our state,” Governor Badagbu said.
The governor expressed particular concern over the killing of unarmed women, questioning why civilians should be targeted while traveling on public roads.
“I am really very dismayed by this news of the passing on, especially our women who are armless, who don’t have any guns, and why are they being shot at?” he said.
Governor Badagbu vowed that his administration would work to ensure that those responsible for the killings are identified and brought to justice.
“We must see them, and they must account for what they have caused. They have caused pain to Western Equatoria. They have caused pain to the people of South Sudan,” he said.
The governor said the state government remains deeply concerned about the security situation in parts of Greater Mundri, where civilians continue to face insecurity despite the need for peace and stability.
He also warned armed groups operating in the area, including forces associated with the SPLM-IO and NAS, against activities that threaten civilians and disrupt security along major roads.
“I don’t want to see such kinds of actions taking place on the roads of Western Equatoria State,” Badagbu said.
The governor assured residents that the state government would strengthen security measures to protect civilians and travelers using roads across Western Equatoria.
He also called on communities to remain united, promote peace, and avoid actions that could further destabilise the state.
The attack has renewed concerns over the safety of civilians traveling along major roads connecting Western Equatoria with Juba and other parts of the country.
The state government says it remains committed to protecting civilians, strengthening security, and ensuring that those responsible for acts of violence are held accountable.