The authorities in Western Equatoria State have confirmed that gunmen ambushed a passenger vehicle between Riimenze and Makpandu Camp along the Yambio–Juba road, resulting in one death and seven injuries on Monday morning.
Acting Police Commissioner General Samuel Tet told Radio Tamazuj that the attack occurred around 6 a.m. on Monday when a vehicle carrying passengers from Yambio to Juba was ambushed by unknown gunmen.
“We received information in the (Monday) morning about the attack which took place yesterday at around 6 a.m. One woman was killed and six other passengers sustained injuries,” he said.
The attack happened approximately 30 kilometers from Yambio Town. General Tet urged the public to avoid traveling in the early morning and evening hours until security is assured.
“Our forces responded but found no trace of the attackers on the road,” he said. “That area, between Riimenze and Makpandu Camp is sparsely populated.”
Meanwhile, Moses Miamangawi, a community leader and youth representative, told this publication that he heard the gunshots and was terrified by the attack.
“At around 5 a.m., I heard a gunshot. At first, it was just one shot, but shortly after, there were many gunshots along the roadside,” he narrated. “I went closer to investigate, but within an hour, the gunfire stopped, and the attackers disappeared.”
Miamangawi noted that fear has gripped the community, with residents avoiding travel due to concerns about further attacks.
“People are afraid. The criminals are still close to Riimenze and many have not gone about their normal duties due to fear and panic,” he added.
Security forces have since visited the area to gather information and investigate the situation. Some officers also went to Makpandu Refugee Camp to assess the casualties.
For her part, Grace Apollo Musa, the State Minister for General Education and a family member of one of the victims, confirmed the identity of the deceased.
“It was around 4:30 a.m. when the wife of the late Charles Boivo, along with her daughters and other family members, left Yambio for Juba. At around 6:30 a.m., I received a call informing me that they had been ambushed,” she told this publication.
“We did not know who had passed away at first, but later, it was confirmed that my relative, Genti Doka, was shot in the head and died,” she stated. “The wife of the late Charles Boivo and their daughters were injured and their condition is critical.”
According to the minister, seven people sustained injuries, with one young boy suffering severe leg fractures.
Security forces have since been deployed to the area to track down the attackers and restore order. Authorities are urging travelers to exercise caution, particularly in the early hours of the morning and evening.
The Western Equatoria State government has assured the public that investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to enhance security along major highways. The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in the region, with authorities working to prevent further incidents.