Three people including the former health minister in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) were injured in a road ambush in Pochalla County on Thursday evening, the police said.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Col. Amati Ochan, the county police inspector, said the three people, including ex-minister Dr. David Philip, were returning from Burator where they had delivered medical supplies when their vehicle was attacked.
“On Thursday morning a vehicle which left Pochalla town for Burator where they delivered medical supplies was attacked on its way back between Nyium and Pochalla town,” he said. “Former Health Minister Dr. David Philip Omot who is now an aid worker was injured on his head. The other injured people are Ahol Bilnyang and Omot Athawa.”
The police officer said no arrests have been made.
“According to eyewitnesses, the attackers are said to be from neighbors Pibor County,” he added. “Those are just criminals loitering in bushes so no arrests were made.”
On his part, Owety Olung, the county’s executive director, said the injured men have been transported to Pochalla town from where they will be flown to Juba for further medical attention.
“Two people have been injured. Dr. Philip was injured on his head and another local youth called Omot sustained serious gunshot wounds and they are being treated in Pochalla town,” he said. “Arrangements are being made for them to be flown to Juba for further treatment.”
Meanwhile, Abraham Kelang, the GPAA information minister, said they were not aware of the incident.
“Honestly, we are not aware of this attack,” he said. “Let us first contact our executive director and then we will be able to update the media.”