A vehicle belonging to the non-governmental organization ARK for Humanity came under attack, leaving the driver injured, along the Kapoeta-Torit road in Eastern Equatoria State on Tuesday.
The incident occurred when unidentified armed individuals ambushed and opened fire on the humanitarian vehicle, injuring the driver, identified as Taban Abalang. The attack happened between Kidepo and a telecommunications network booster along the Kapoeta-Torit highway.
Taban Abalang is receiving medical treatment at Torit State Hospital.
Lokorimoi William, the Administrator for Kimotong Payam in Budi County, told Radio Tamazuj Wednesday that the incident occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m. While no arrests have been made, he further said local youth are actively tracking the footprints of the suspected criminals.
“This vehicle was ambushed along the road between Kidepo and a telecommunications network booster. One person was injured, and concerned citizens recovered the vehicle. The injured person was swiftly transported to Torit,” William said.
“These criminals remain unidentified and target innocent travellers. The youth must trace their footprints to determine their entry point. The vehicle belongs to an organization, and the youth in Camp 15 Payam are deeply concerned about this incident, questioning the identity of these criminals,” he added.
Maj. Gen. James Monday Enoka, the Eastern Equatoria State Police Commissioner, confirmed the incident and reported that police forces are actively investigating the matter. He added the government plans to deploy additional troops along the Kidepo Camp 15 road to deter criminal activities and enhance security along the highway.
“We are aware of this information. The injured individual is currently receiving medical care at Torit State Hospital. When this incident occurred, the police force was dispatched to locate and investigate the crime scene. They followed the footprints of the assailants, which led into dense bushes along the road, before returning to the main road. Our investigation is ongoing. We possess the vehicle’s number plate. This vehicle was en route from Camp 15. We have comprehensive security plans for the entire area, and we intend to reinforce security with support from the national government to end such acts,” Maj. Gen. Enoka stated.
Changa Thomas Oker, a medical doctor at Torit State Hospital, provided an update on the injured driver’s condition. He noted that the driver had sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and successfully underwent surgery. While the patient’s condition improves, he will be referred to Juba Teaching Hospital for further treatment.
Charles Onen Lokwaruk, Chairperson for Eastern Equatoria Civil Society Network, strongly condemned the attack on humanitarian workers and called for a thorough government investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. He also urged measures to disarm civilians to prevent similar incidents targeting aid workers.
“We are deeply shocked to learn that individuals illegally possessing firearms target humanitarian aid workers who tirelessly serve our needy communities. The ARK for Humanity vehicle was attacked between Camp 15 and Kidepo Valley. We vehemently condemn this incident and call upon the Eastern Equatoria State government to conduct a comprehensive investigation and hold the culprits accountable, thereby preventing attacks on humanitarian workers by unknown gunmen,” Lokwaruk emphasized.