YAMBIO – The residents of Tambura County in Western Equatoria State have expressed outrage following the killing of three civilians in an ambush carried out by suspected SPLA-IO forces along the Tambura–Rii-Yubu road.
According to eyewitnesses and local community leaders, the victims — two young men and a woman — were travelling to Sinawiri village to attend a funeral when armed men opened fire on them about nine kilometres from Tambura town on Sunday. The victims died instantly, and their motorcycle and mobile phones were taken by the attackers.
Community members condemned the act, describing it as brutal and inhumane. They appealed to both state and national authorities, as well as peace monitors, to strengthen protection for civilians and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“We are living in fear because these killings have become too frequent. Innocent people are being targeted for no reason,” said a community elder in Tambura, who asked not to be named for security reasons.
The Acting Commissioner of Tambura County, Moses Merci Sere, confirmed the incident and blamed elements of the SPLA-IO for orchestrating the attack. He said such assaults have repeatedly terrorized communities in the area.
“The three people — one woman and two men — were ambushed by unknown gunmen while heading to Yubu for a burial. Sadly, they were all killed on the spot. We believe these are continuous attacks from SPLA-IO elements who have been disturbing the peace,” Sere said.
He urged the armed groups to honour the Revitalized Peace Agreement and cease targeting civilians. Local reports further indicated that SPLA-IO forces have imposed restrictions on the movement of civilians, particularly members of the Balanda community, preventing them from using the Yubu–Wau road or accessing nearby markets.
When contacted for comment, Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong, the Police Commissioner of Western Equatoria State, said his office had not yet received an official report on the attack but assured that investigations would be launched to establish the facts.
Meanwhile, civil society activist Edmund Yakani condemned the attack, calling it a “gross violation of human rights” and urging both the SSPDF and SPLA-IO to settle their differences through dialogue instead of violence.
“The continued confrontations in Tambura are unacceptable. Both parties must prioritize civilian safety and uphold the peace deal they signed,” Yakani said.
The victims, aged between 19 and 30 years, were buried on Monday amid tears and calls for justice from grieving relatives and neighbors.
The SPLA-IO leadership has not yet issued any official response regarding the incident.
