Two killed, one injured in Twic East road ambush

The Commissioner of Twic East County in Jonglei State says two people have been killed and another injured in a road ambush along the Panyagor-Bor road.

According to a statement from the office of Commissioner James Magok Mabiei, the incident occurred on July 31 when travellers came under attack while heading to Bor, the state capital.

Commissioner Mabiei accused suspected armed men believed to be from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area of being behind the attack.

He identified the two people killed as Pager Deng Nhial and Chol Yak Bul, both from Kongor Payam, and said the wounded person was Atem Ajang Akur from Pakeer Payam.

The commissioner said the two victims were involved in the car business and used their work to support their families.

He called on the Jonglei State Government to intervene and hold the Greater Pibor Administrative Area accountable for the loss of lives.

However, the Greater Pibor Administrative Area has denied involvement in the attack and said there is no evidence linking the attackers to the area.

Speaking to Eye Radio, the Minister of Information for the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, Jacob Werchum Juok, said authorities were not aware of the incident and questioned claims that the attackers were from the Murle community.

“What is the evidence showing that these people are from Murle Because the weapons that people are carrying in the entire Jonglei and Greater Pibor are the same. Let them give us the evidence as to why these people may be the attackers.

“But as for us, what we know so far is that the area is also occupied by armed criminals who attack and disturb people on the road. Let them find out those criminals who are normally attacking vehicles,” he said.

The minister said the area where the attack reportedly happened is far from Greater Pibor and has experienced insecurity involving armed groups.

Road attacks remain a security concern in parts of Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area despite ongoing efforts by authorities and community leaders to reduce intercommunal violence.