The police in Western Equatoria State have confirmed that armed men over the weekend attacked two motorcyclists along the Yambio–Ibba Road and set their motorcycles on fire after looting their belongings.
State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong told Radio Tamazuj that the two riders were stopped by unidentified gunmen who robbed them of money, but that there were no casualties.
“No one was killed or injured in the attack, but the assailants looted properties and burnt two motorbikes,” he said.
He urged the community to report criminals causing insecurity so they can be apprehended.
For his part, Ibba County Commissioner Wilson Tetela also confirmed the incident, saying the victims were boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) riders, one from Ibba County and the other from Maridi County.
“They were stopped near Sue Bridge, which lies between Ibba and Yambio counties. Their belongings were taken, and the motorcycles burnt,” he stated. “One of the victims, a 16-year-old boy, managed to reach Yambio safely.”
A youth from Ibba County, who requested anonymity, told this publication that the incident has created fear among travellers using the road.
“People are now afraid to travel to Yambio because we do not know who is targeting motorists, and this has caused panic and insecurity,” he said.
Authorities in the state are yet to establish whether the attackers were criminals or rebels.