Two security personnel were killed and three businessmen injured in an attack by armed assailants on the main market in Jebel Boma, a town in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), on Saturday night, officials said.
Maj. Gen. Abdalla Akuoch, the state police commissioner, told Radio Tamazuj that the unidentified attackers opened fire on officers deployed to protect the market.
“Those killed were members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the police. They were among the officers deployed to provide protection,” Akuoch said.
Police said the investigation is ongoing. “We only accessed the scene this morning due to transportation challenges,” he added. “We have launched an investigation to identify the attackers and determine their motive.”
Jacob Werchum Jouk, GPAA’s minister of information, condemned the attack and urged residents to remain calm as authorities continue their probe.
He said the main market remains closed following the incident.
“The attack occurred around 11 p.m., resulting in the deaths of two locals and injuries to three Sudanese traders. The main market is still closed as investigations continue,” Jouk said.