Governor Louis Lobong of Eastern Equatoria state led the operation to apprehend bandits in Ngauro. Courtesy

Twenty-nine suspected criminals have been arrested in Eastern Equatoria state.

The individuals accused of banditry were apprehended in an operation led by Governor Louis Lobong Lojore.

Last week, five people were killed and seven others wounded by bandits along the Kapoeta-Ngauro road.

The travelers who were mostly traders were ambushed and their goods were looted.

The state governor then launched a manhunt to identify and arrest the suspects in the Namuruyang jungle in Kapoeta South County.

Armed with an AK-47, Governor Lobong led security forces on foot into seasonal river terrains and the bushes to flush out the criminals.

He succeeded in arresting the 29 individuals – mostly young people.

The bandits were caught with food items they had reportedly stolen from travelers.

“The suspects are now in police custody in the town of Kapoeta where investigations are ongoing, said Aliandro Lotok, Press Secretary in the Office of Eastern Equatoria state governor.

Lotok confirmed to told Eye Radio that the suspects were found drunk in the bushes of Ngauro.

He stated that the suspects will be arraigned in court soon.

Last week, armed men killed two farmers in Ngauro where 10 oxen were reportedly stolen but later recovered through community efforts.

The victims were community members who were engaged in a livelihood activity supported by Save the Children.

“The government of Eastern Equatoria is ensuring such incidents should not happen in this state,” Lotok concluded.