Armed men ambushed a commercial vehicle on the Maridi-Juba road, looting passengers’ belongings, an official said.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj Tuesday, Amadi State information minister, John Obote said the incident occurred in Agolobi village.

At least 11 passengers, he said, were aboard the ambushed vehicle.

“Citizens who arrived in Mundri confirmed to government authorities that the gunmen robbed all their belongings, which included huge amounts of money beside their bags,” said Obote, adding that the passengers are currently in Amadi State.

The minister, however, assured citizens of proper security and that the state government has plans to jointly work with the armed opposition forces to identify armed elements destabilizing the area.

 Separately, Obote has warned that 75% of the local population could face famine in April and May, attributing this to the return of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees to their homes.