Greater Pibor denies role in deadly Duk humanitarian convoy ambush

The Greater Pibor Administrative Area has denied any involvement in the deadly ambush on a humanitarian convoy in Duk County, Jonglei State, that killed civilians, including aid workers.

The denial follows an attack by unidentified armed men on a humanitarian convoy between Payuel Payam and Pajut in Panyang Payam, Duk County, on Monday.

At least 17 people, including five aid workers from the local NGO John Dau Foundation, were killed in the ambush.

Jonglei State authorities reportedly blamed armed criminals from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area for the attack.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, the GPAA Minister of Information, Jacob Werchum Juok, condemned the attack, describing assaults on civilians and humanitarian workers as a serious tragedy that deserves condemnation from all parties.

The GPAA dismissed allegations linking its communities to the ambush, insisting it had “no involvement whatsoever” in the attack.

The administration urged the Jonglei State government and Duk County authorities to establish the facts before assigning blame.

The statement said several criminal groups operate along the Jonglei transport corridor and argued that other local disputes, including tensions between Duk and Twic East counties, should not be overlooked during investigations.

The Greater Pibor also appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could inflame tensions.