At least one person was killed and several others injured when unidentified gunmen ambushed a pickup truck along the Juba-Maridi road in Western Equatoria State early Thursday, authorities said.
The attack occurred near Mani’bu as a public vehicle traveling from Juba to Maridi came under heavy gunfire. The driver, identified as Gismala, a well-known resident of Maridi County, was killed instantly. The assailants also burned the vehicle and four motorcycles being transported on it.
Maridi County Commissioner Alfred Miiri confirmed the attack in an interview with Radio Tamazuj, saying the vehicle had five occupants: the driver, an assistant driver and three passengers.
“They were ambushed around 5 a.m. The driver was shot dead, and several people sustained injuries. The attackers also set the vehicle and motorcycles on fire,” Miiri said.
Security forces later rescued the injured and took them to Maridi Civil Hospital. Miiri said 17 youths were abducted during the attack, though one escaped and is receiving medical treatment.
“Two people are in stable condition, and one sustained minor injuries,” he added.
Western Equatoria State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong told Radio Tamazuj that the attackers are suspected to be soldiers from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO).
“This is the work of SPLM-IO rebels. They are behind the burning, looting and attacks on civilians in the state. We sent forces to the area, but the attackers had already vanished,” Tong said.
The motive for the attack remains unclear.
SPLM-IO Spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel could not be reached for comment.