The local authorities in Twic County, Warrap State, have raised serious allegations against Abiem-nhom County in the Ruweng Administrative Area, accusing them of abducting one boda-boda rider from Twic County and injuring another youth over the weekend.
It is reported that suspected armed youth, believed to be from the Ruweng area, apprehended two boda-boda riders, subjecting them to physical assault. Fortunately, one of the victims managed to escape, albeit with bullet wounds, heightening tensions between the armed youth of Ajakuac Payam in Twic and Abiemnhom armed youth, according to official sources.
Simon Aguek, the commissioner of Twic County, stated that two youths were forcibly taken from their vehicle by armed individuals. One of the abductees successfully escaped, sustaining wounds to his leg and is currently receiving medical treatment at Turalei hospital. However, the whereabouts of the other person remain unknown since December 15 this year.
“The situation involving the abduction of two young men on the 15th of this month needs to be handled with utmost care, as it has the potential to escalate tensions between the Ajakuac and Abiemnhom communities. One of the victims was shot but managed to flee back to Abiemnhom military barracks and was subsequently transferred to Turalei hospital yesterday [Tuesday],” Aguek emphasized.
He expressed concern that the unresolved disappearance of one youth is contributing to the heightened tension in the area.
“Mam Deng, one of the abducted individuals, has gone missing, and his current whereabouts are unknown. There is no information regarding whether he has been killed or is still alive, possibly with armed youth. If caution is not exercised, this situation has the potential to escalate into a significant problem. I have discussed this matter with the governor, who promptly notified the Ruweng chief administrator to take immediate action and defuse the situation,” expressed Commissioner Aguek with concern. Aguek identified Nyok Mou and Kur Mayol as the alleged leaders of the Abiemnhom armed youth responsible for the abduction.
For his part, Abiemnhom County Commissioner Atiok Dau confirmed the incident but denied any wrongdoing, stating that he has been working to address the situation.
He explained, “The incident is not entirely clear. What happened was that two motorbike riders from Twic were returning after dropping off passengers. Upon reaching Makuac village, also known as Ariel, where SSPDF forces are stationed, the two Boda riders were advised to join an escorted vehicle because armed individuals had preceded them. People were concerned that trouble might arise if there was no armed escort.”
Dau further elaborated, “As these youths reached Awela village, they encountered the armed group situated between Abiemnhom and Awela, which is a troublesome area. They were assaulted, and one youth managed to escape, albeit with a gunshot wound to the leg. He successfully reached Biem-nhom, but the other person remained in the custody of the armed youth.”
According to Dau, these armed individuals are believed to be the same youths who departed before forces were assigned to escort the passenger vehicle. He noted that the survivor mentioned that the armed youth spoke Dinka, a detail uncovered during the investigation.