Two fish traders were ambushed and killed by armed in Madol Payam in Rumbek North County, Lakes State, on Sunday afternoon, the police said.
According to the police spokesperson in Lakes State, Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac, two other fish traders ran into the bush and their whereabouts remain unknown. He said the assailants are suspected to have been from the neighboring Luanyjang community of Tonj East County in Warrap State.
“On Sunday at 4 p.m., some boda-boda riders and fish traders fell in the hands of unidentified criminals and as a result two of them were killed and two others are missing up to now,” he stated. “The police are still investigating the matter to find out whether the other two are alive or fled for their lives.”
Maj. Mabor added: “We are yet to identify the suspects from the Luanyjang community because everybody has a name.”
He said boda-boda riders normally ferry traders and other people from Rumbek to Madol Payam near the river where they go to buy fish.
“On their way back, they fell in the hands of the criminals and they were shot,” Mabor said. “I think this might not be anything related to land dispute or border dispute. I can say this is an isolated incident perpetrated by highway robbers who usually extort people’s property or money on the way.”
He advised residents of Lakes State to remain calm despite the harsh economic times and asked community members to work closely with security forces in combatting crime.