A leading civil society organization in South Sudan has condemned in the strongest terms possible the abduction of three women in Apuk South County of Gogrial state last week.

In a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj yesterday, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) said targeting women due to inter-communal conflicts is a crime.

Yakani called upon the government to take serious steps to rescue the kidnapped women. “This trend is disturbing. Targeting women due to violent conflict is a great mistake committed by those behind the killing of women.  Our national security institutions need to draw their attention to this trend,” said Yakani.

CEPO also urged all communities that are involved in disputes not to target women as means to show their strength. “Perpetrators behind the abduction and killing of women should be brought to book and face competent court of law,” said Yakani.

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Tuesday last week invaded a farm at Agwar area of Apuk South and abducted three women. The missing women were identified as Ayuel Deng, Atong Makuac and Adeng Madut.