Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado, MP and Minister of Local Government in Yei River State has admitted that roughly 100,000 people trapped in the town amid increasing insecurity in the area as reported by the UN refugee agency last week.

Aligo told Radio Tamazuj yesterday that Yei residents fled their homes following fighting in July, but they returned after the security situation was restored in the area. He pointed out that the locals are currently experiencing shortages of food and basic services due to the closure of roads.

When asked about alleged abuses perpetrated against innocent civilians in the town, Aligo accused unknown gunmen of committing human rights violations against citizens in Yei town.

The official called for peace implementation in an attempt to alleviate the suffering of the people of South Sudan.

Last week, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said it was increasingly concerned about 100,000 people trapped in the Yei region amid increasing insecurity.

 “Tens of thousands of displaced are sheltering in abandoned houses and smaller numbers in church compounds and are facing a serious shortage of food and medicine,” said UNHCR spokesperson William Spindler.

File photo: Jacob Aligo