RUMBEK – At least two people were killed, and two others are missing following a road ambush by suspected armed criminals from Tonj East County of Warrap State.
Lakes State police spokesperson Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac told Sudans Post on Monday that two fish traders were killed, and two others are missing in Rumbek North County.
He explained that the incident occurred yesterday at 4:00 PM when Boda-boda riders and fish traders fell into an ambush.
“Our security situation all over the state is calm and normal except for a few registered cases. Yesterday, Boda-boda riders carrying fishermen fell into an ambush by unidentified gunmen who we suspect to have come from Tonj East County in Warrap State,” he stated.
“As a result, two of them (fishermen) were killed, and two others are missing up to now. The police are still investigating to ascertain whether they are alive and have fled for their lives,” he added.
Maj. Elijah said that according to information gathered by the law enforcement agencies in Lakes State, the suspects are believed to be from the Luanyjang Community of Tonj East County in Warrap State.
He mentioned that these individuals, who he stressed have come from the Luanyjang Community, do not have anything to do with border disputes between Warrap and Lakes states.
“However, no identification of an individual from the Luanyjang community has been made yet because everybody has a name. But investigation is taking place currently in Rumbek North County,” the police officer added.
Maj. Makuac specified the crime scene of this particular case as Madol Payam of Rumbek North County.
“These Boda-boda riders used to travel from town here up to Madol Payam near the river where they would buy fish and then return,” he said.
“On their way back, they encountered the criminals and were shot. This incident might not be related to land or border disputes. It appears to be an isolated incident possibly perpetrated by road robbers who typically extort people’s property or money along the way,” he explained.
He emphasized that these individuals have no connection to any border disputes.
“According to the reports we received, all of them were identified as fish traders, but we don’t have their details yet because two people are still missing,” he said.
“If they are found alive, they will clarify whether they were all fish traders or if some of them were simply Boda-boda riders transporting people to that destination,” he added.
Makuac further urged the people of Lakes State to remain calm and encouraged cooperation between communities and states to foster peace and harmony.
“I also urge communities in different areas to cooperate with all security forces so that they may be able to maintain security and provide them with security,” he concluded.