Five civilians were killed and two others critically injured in a deadly road attack in Payawa Boma of Mugwo Payam of Central Equatoria State’s Yei River County on Wednesday.

Yei River County Commissioner Agrey Cyrus said the five civilians were killed while returning from Mugwo Market to Yei town. 

He said the two injured victims are currently receiving treatment at Yei hospital, as he blamed the rebel outfit, the National Salvation Front forces (NAS) led by General Thomas Cirillo for the attack.

“Civilians were gathered and they randomly shot at killing five people and two others were wounded. We have evidence NAS rebels killed these people in two different places and I call on NAS to stop waging war against the civilians but seek peace,” he added.

Suba Samuel Manase, NAS spokesman denied any involvement in the killing of the civilians.

“I am not aware of this incident and we don’t kill people on the road. It is the administration of the Yei local government to be held responsible for failing to protect the lives of the people and this is because they are protecting their positions without protecting the civilians and their properties,” Samuel said.

Observers say the security situation in Yei is getting worse daily as parties violate the cessation of the hostilities agreement in the area.