The Western Equatoria State government has warned residents of Yambio town against rising incidents of gunfire and robberies, as authorities step up security measures amid growing concerns over insecurity.
Yambio County Commissioner Michael Ismail Medi urged the public to cooperate with security forces, saying criminals have recently been attacking residents at night, firing guns and looting property.
“Criminals are attacking people at night, firing guns and stealing from the community,” Medi told reporters on Tuesday. “We urge residents to cooperate, support one another and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.”
He said security forces would be deployed to crime hotspots in Yambio to protect civilians and prevent further incidents.
Medi said community policing officers earlier this week arrested a suspect linked to attacks in the Baguga–Zambando area. In another incident in Akorogbodi, he said, criminals attempted to attack residents but fled after exchanging gunfire with community policing officers.
“Anyone arrested will be taken to court to face the law. No force is allowed to attack or loot the community,” Medi said. “Soldiers involved in criminal acts will be held accountable because such actions damage trust and endanger lives.”
A member of the community policing unit, who spoke to Radio Tamazuj on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said armed suspects attempted to raid a home in Akorogbodi on Monday night.
“When we arrived, there was an exchange of gunfire. The suspects shouted at us and then ran away before stealing anything,” he said.
The officer added that another group of armed suspects was spotted on Tuesday afternoon near a funeral gathering in Akorogbodi, allegedly planning to steal phones and money. The suspects fled after the incident was reported. A similar incident was reported near the Bright Star area of Yambio town, he said.
Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong said no one was injured and no property was stolen during the attempted robbery on Monday night.
“Additional forces will be deployed starting Wednesday in Yambio town and surrounding areas to enhance security,” Tong said.
He also warned armed personnel against indiscriminate gunfire, saying it causes fear and panic among civilians.
State authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and to work closely with security forces by reporting those involved in shootings and armed robberies, warning that such acts threaten public safety and peace in the state capital.
Local authorities said a woman was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint in her home in Yambio on Saturday, with attackers stealing two mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of church money. At least two other attempted attacks were reported within the following two days in different neighborhoods, though no fatalities were reported.