At least two people were killed and a truck was set ablaze during a deadly ambush on Tuesday night at the Nambara Bridge construction site along the Yangiri–Mupoi Road in Western Equatoria State, authorities confirmed.
Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong, the state police commissioner, told Radio Tamazuj that the attack occurred at River Biki near Yangiri Town on the Tombura Road.
“Two people were killed, a truck was burnt, and several people scattered into the bush with others still hiding,” he said. “Our forces deployed to the area but did not find the attackers. These are criminal elements hiding in the forest.”
Gen. Madut urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals.
Meanwhile, Albert Zingorani, Deputy Director of Rural Development Action Aid (RDAA), said the attackers targeted the Nambara Bridge construction site, which is being built under a UNMISS Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) initiative implemented by his NGO. He named the two individuals who lost their lives in the attack as Muchunguzi Johnson, a Ugandan driver working with Fast Transporters Co. Ltd, and Daiman William Mburo, a local community member from Yangiri.
“Our construction site was attacked by unknown gunmen, forcing workers to flee into the surrounding forest,” Zingorani said. “We have confirmed the recovery of Daiman’s body, and efforts are underway with authorities to locate the body of Johnson.”
He added that due to the remoteness of the area, the whereabouts of several workers remain unknown.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available,” he added.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but local authorities suspect it could be linked to insecurity in the region.