Residents of Iloli village in Hiyala payam of Torit County, Eastern Equatoria state, are demanding the return of firearms confiscated by government forces, citing growing insecurity after women narrowly escaped a shooting by unidentified gunmen.
The incident occurred Thursday evening when a group of women were grinding sorghum on a rock near the village and came under gunfire. No injuries were reported, and the attackers fled the scene.
Youth leaders in Iloli accused individuals from neighboring Oguruny village of carrying out the attack, although no official confirmation was immediately available.
The shooting follows a recent disarmament operation in which soldiers from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) confiscated more than 30 guns from Iloli residents. Community members said the operation involved beatings and looting, claims authorities have not publicly addressed.
The military has previously said the disarmament was carried out after allegations that Iloli residents were involved in cattle raiding.
Juma Hitobok, a youth leader in Iloli, said on Friday that residents were prevented from pursuing the attackers and instead reported the incident to local authorities.
“We are now defenseless after being disarmed,” he said. “Anyone can attack us without fear.”
He added that footprints at the scene appeared to lead toward Oguruny village, reinforcing suspicions among residents.
Ozman Robert Patricio, a community leader, said the attack caused panic among women and children, with some sustaining minor injuries while fleeing.
“We cannot ignore the rising tension,” he said, urging restraint and dialogue to prevent further violence.
Civil society activist Vicky Kualng condemned the attack and called for protection of women’s rights.
“Women have the right to live free from fear and violence,” she said.
The area has seen recurring clashes between Iloli and Oguruny communities, often linked to cattle raiding, revenge attacks and land disputes.
In February, two 17-year-old girls were shot dead and another injured along the Hiyala-Oguruny road in a similar incident, underscoring the risks faced by civilians, particularly women.
Local authorities said a suspect linked to recent violence has been identified but remains at large.