A surge in deadly road ambushes and targeted killings along the Yei-Morobo road has left civilians in fear, with local authorities struggling to contain the violence.
The latest attacks killed two young men in Kanji Boma, Gulumbi Payam, Morobo County, heightening concerns over civilian safety. Residents say movement between Yei River and Morobo counties has become dangerous, particularly for young people, who are increasingly targeted.
Julius Aloro, a Morobo-based businessman, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that travel has become nearly impossible for many.
“Our movement as youth has become extremely difficult,” Aloro said. “People are afraid to travel from Morobo to Yei because young men are being abducted or killed. This is a major challenge for us.”
An anonymous source, fearing retaliation, said young South Sudanese are disproportionately affected.
“Our youth are being hunted,” the source said. “They are shot dead on major roads because of insurgencies taking root in our area.”
The source called for urgent community dialogue and government intervention, warning that continued violence threatens the country’s fragile peace efforts.
Morobo County Police Commissioner Capt. Peter Murei attributed the attacks to anti-government armed elements, accusing the SPLA-IO of recent violence.
“These incidents are the work of the SPLA-IO,” Murei said. “Two weeks ago, they shot a wildlife officer. Their activities on the roads are excessive.”
He insisted Morobo County remains calm and urged the public to report suspicious activity.
Despite assurances, recent victims include a 35-year-old businessman, John Bosco Jamba, who was killed while returning from Koboko, and a 30-year-old officer, Wol, who was visiting family in Yei after taking leave from his military post in Kaya.
Murei said additional troops have been stationed in Kanji and that public transport is operating normally.
“The army has taken necessary measures, and the situation is under control,” he said.
SPLA-IO officials in the area could not immediately be reached for comment.