Seven men kidnapped by unknown gunmen at a construction site along the Yei-Lasu road last month have now been released.
The seven including two Ugandan and two Kenyan nationals were among 14 workers of the Rhino Construction Company seized by unknown gunmen while working on the Ayisa Bridge on 24 July. Seven of the workers were freed one week later.
Engineer Kenyi, an abducted worker, told Radio Tamazuj that they were tortured and later treated well after being assigned to cook, fetch water and collect firewood in the bush.
He further said the abductors took their tools, mobile phones, money and one generator used for welding. “When they arrested us, they tortured us and when we reached their destination, they treated us very well” said Kenyi.
“So we were given food once in a day. But surprisingly yesterday they told us to wash our legs and let us go. Our shoes and all belongings were taken, we thank God for guiding us safe, and I think I will be happy when I see my family” he added.
For his part, Stephen Ladu Onesmo, information minister in the proposed Yei River State, condemned the abduction of construction workers, saying the act is against development in the state.
He pointed out that the state government will try to reunite the released construction workers with their families in neighbouring Uganda and Kenya.
“Since they have been released, we would like to assure the people of South Sudan, Kenya and Uganda that these people have been released safely. The government is now rehabilitating them and ensure that they reached to their homes safely” said Ladu.