Authorities in Torit Municipality, Eastern Equatoria State, said five unidentified gunmen attacked South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) soldiers in the Enyief residential area early Friday, killing one soldier. No arrests have been made.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, was shot multiple times and later died at Torit State Hospital after being rushed there for treatment.
The attack occurred three days after the government deployed SSPDF forces to the area to “maintain order.” However, local residents said the sudden military presence has caused many to flee, with some criminals taking advantage of the situation by looting abandoned homes.
Enyief, a southwestern neighborhood of Torit town controlled by the SPLA-IO, lies across the Kineti River and hosts key government offices, including the state police headquarters, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Torit County headquarters. It is also one of the largest civilian settlement areas.
Several residents told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday they fled their homes, fearing possible clashes between SSPDF forces and SPLA-IO fighters.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj after the attack, Torit Mayor Oyito Baptist Habihoi urged calm and called on residents to return, assuring them that the government is addressing security concerns.
“We deployed forces in Enyief to counter criminal activity along the riverbank,” Habihoi said. “At around 5 a.m. today, five armed assailants attacked the soldiers, firing five to six shots. One bullet struck and fatally wounded a soldier. The attackers fled toward Iyodo, and their footprints were traced toward Lolianga.”
When asked about civilians who fled the Enyief area due to fear of the heavy deployment of government troops, Habihoi denied widespread panic, saying authorities held an emergency security meeting and resolved to intensify patrols and pursue criminals.
Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Local Government Peter Lokeng Lotone confirmed the incident and called for calm.
“This was an isolated shooting—not a prolonged exchange—but it resulted in the death of an SSPDF soldier,” Lokeng said. “We are coordinating with political and military leaders to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. The situation is under control, and there is no cause for panic.”
Civil society activist Nadolo Augustine condemned the attack, calling it a troubling escalation amid economic hardships.
“The SSPDF protects us, and we must coexist peacefully,” Augustine said. “Criminals targeting soldiers—our defenders—is unacceptable. Authorities must act swiftly to ensure justice.”