Authorities in Bor, the capital of Jonglei state, have launched a security operation to track down a group of armed suspects who attacked and raided the home of South Sudanese traders in the Panliet suburb on Saturday night.
The victims, primarily traders from the Greater Bahr el Ghazal region, were injured during the assault, prompting widespread condemnation from local leaders and community representatives.
Jacob Achiek Machar Ayuen-Mawer, mayor of the Bor Municipal Council, confirmed the incident to Radio Tamazuj and said it was the work of a small group that does not represent the broader Bor community.
“Three days ago, there was an incident in Panliet. It was not something planned by the Bor community,” Achiek said. “It was a few individuals who decided to act against our brothers from Greater Bahr el Ghazal. We strongly condemn it.”
The mayor called for calm and urged residents to avoid retaliation, assuring the public that law enforcement is working to apprehend those responsible.
“What happened was just one incident,” he said. “Many incidents are happening in Bor — a girl was stabbed and shot, an Ethiopian was also shot. I’m urging people to stand against these bad characters.”
John Deng Madit, chairperson of the Greater Bahr el Ghazal Community in Jonglei state, also condemned the attack and called on security forces to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“This was a cowardly and targeted attack on innocent traders,” Madit said. “We urge the authorities to identify those involved and hold them accountable.”
Madit said several victims sustained serious machete wounds and were transported to Juba for medical treatment.
Security forces said they have since stepped up operations in and around Panliet to track down the attackers. Local officials said they are working closely with community leaders to preserve peace and prevent ethnic tensions from escalating.