Authorities of Yei River State in South Sudan have accused opposition forces allied to Riek Machar of killing at least 6 people and abducting about 35 others in separate incidents last month, a claim the opposition has denied.
In a press statement extended to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Yei River state information minister Alfred Kenneth Duku condemned what he called “gruesome human rights violations” and called for the immediate unconditional release of the abductees.
“On 24th July forces loyal to Riek Machar under the command of Emmanuel Gadi abducted 35 civilians in Logobero of Yei River county and they are still under their custody, and we ont know the situation of the abductees till now. In another incident on 31st July 30 combat forces loyal to Riek Machar coming from Panyume brutally slaughtered 6 civilians in Mugwo County,” the statement reads.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, a member of parliament for Tore county Matthias Nimaya said most of the abducted are women and young people who were picked from their homes while others from their farm lands.
Nimaya called on the armed opposition to respect Khartoum's agreement on permanent ceasefire and allow freedom of movement within the state.
For his part, SPLA I-O deputy military spokesperson, Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel denied the allegations saying he was not aware of any kidnapping activities in that area. He however accused the government forces of killing the 6 citizens in Mugwo late last month.