At least 70 government soldiers narrowly escaped an ambush on Tuesday morning along the Kubri Bou road near the border of Tambura County, according to County Commissioner Mathew Mabenge.
The security team was reportedly transporting food supplies to troops deployed between Tambura and Nagero counties when they came under heavy gunfire in the Makiso area. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj Tuesday, Commissioner Mabenge blamed the attack on suspected SPLM-IO fighters and alleged that the violence is being fueled by armed youth loyal to the former Western Equatoria governor.
“The situation is currently calm,” he said. “However, we remain concerned about the activities of armed youth from areas such as Bazia, Nadiangere, and other locations who are contributing to ongoing insecurity.”
He appealed to those responsible to abandon violence and join efforts to restore lasting peace in the county.
“Anyone intending to shed blood or fuel conflict must stop. Let us unite for peace in Tambura and across Western Equatoria,” Mabenge urged.
Meanwhile, Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, condemned the attack and other recent security incidents in the state.
Speaking at a press conference held at the State Secretariat in Yambio, Governor Badagbu pointed fingers at elements aligned with the former state leadership, accusing them of undermining peace and stability.
“This ambush is totally unacceptable,” he said. “We call on all armed groups to respect the ceasefire and place peace above personal or political interests.”
The acting governor also raised concerns about repeated ambushes along major roads, including the Maridi–Juba road, Yambio, and the Tombura–Wau highway, where civilian vehicles have been torched and passengers targeted.
“There is no room for tribalism in Western Equatoria,” he declared. “Our priority is peace, unity, and inclusive development.”
Governor Badagbu appealed to national authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
SPLA-IO officers in the area could not immediately be reached for comment.
Insecurity in parts of Western Equatoria has been worsening since the removal of the SPLM-IO-appointed governor, Gen. Alfred Futuyo, by President Salva Kiir earlier this year.