At least five youths, including two females, were kidnapped, assaulted, and later released by forces allied to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) in Tambura County, Western Equatoria State.
The incident occurred on Friday in Kpangima Village, south of Tambura town, as the youth went to the farm to harvest cassava.
According to Thomas Bandaisa, the acting paramount chief of Tambura County, the youth were apprehended by armed rebel elements and taken toward Nabanga. One of the victims managed to escape, while the remaining four were released after local chiefs intervened.
“After hearing about the abduction, Chief Angelo Davide went to meet the rebels in Nabanga and convinced them to release the youth,” Chief Bandaisa told Radio Tamazuj. “They were freed but had been beaten severely. We thank God no one was killed.”
One of the victims, Wilson John, 35, recounted his ordeal, saying he and his pregnant wife were detained while heading to their farm.
“They beat me badly until blood came from my eyes. The chief came and pleaded for our release, saying we are civilians from this community,” he narrated. “We want peace because without peace, we cannot farm or send our children to school.”
Local authorities and eyewitnesses confirmed the incident, describing it as a serious violation of human rights and a threat to the fragile peace in the area.
Tambura County Acting Commissioner John Cele condemned the incident, calling on SPLM-IO to respect the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
“The SPLA-IO should stop abducting and beating civilians. People are suffering, sleeping hungry, sick, and living in IDP camps,” he stated. “Any grievances should be resolved through dialogue, not violence.”
The SPLM-IO leadership could not be reached for comment by this publication. The state government and police authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.